ADM NO: BEDA/2024/31264.

NAME: SHARON GATI KABAKA

COURSE CODE: BLA 4214.
COURSE TITLE: POETRY.
LECTURER: DR. MAKAU
COLLEGE: MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY, KISII CAMPUS.

Q1. Discuss the philosophical implications of viewing death as a transition

rather than an end. How does the perspective influence ethical behavior, cultural
practices and individual attitudes towards life and mortality?
INTRODUCTION
Viewing death as a transition rather than an end holds profound philosophical
implications that influence various aspects of human life, ethics, culture and
individual perspective on mortality. This view shapes the overall day to day
behavior and deeds in human for fear of what is likely to happen in the after-
life. It leads to immense show of respect for life, a show of empathy for others,
and living of a fulfilling life.

PHILOSOPHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF VIEWING DEATH AS A

TRANSITION RATHER THAN END AND HOW IT INFLUENCES
ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR, CULTURAL PRACTICES AND INDIVIDUAL
ATTITUDES TOWARDS LIFE AND MORTALITY.
ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR
Treating life as a sacred gift; Now that death is viewed as a transition, people
will tend to heighten respect for life itself because it is known that it is coming
to an end but instead it continues for eternity. Fearing what comes in the other
phase of life people will definitely live a fulfilling life, exemplified by show of
compassion and empathy for others. Everyone will definitely long for the “just
endless calm beneath the cosmic sky”.
Sympathy and Empathy; Understanding death as a transition can foster greater
empathy towards others experiencing loss or nearing the end of life. It
encourages compassionate behaviour and support systems for those affected.
CULTURAL PRACTICES
Funeral Customs; Cultures that view death as transition often
have ritual and practices aimed at facilitating the journey of the
deceased into the afterlife or the next phase. These customs
can provide comfort to the bereaved and sense of continuity.
Celebration of Life; Instead of mourning the end of end of life,
cultures may celebrate the continuation of the individual
journey, marking milestones and honoring memories.
INDIVIDUAL ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE
Meaning and purpose of life; Viewing death as a transition may
prompt an individual to reflect on the meaning and purpose of
their lives. It encourages the pursuit of meaningful experiences
and contributions that may transcend physical existence.
Optimism in life; The thought that life is a transition reduces
fear of mortality. This perspective fosters a more positive
outlook on life and greater acceptance of the inevitable. It shifts
focus from the finality of death to the potential of ongoing
existence in another form.
PHILOSOPHICAL IMPLICATIONS
Continuity of existence; The idea of death as a transition
suggests continuity rather than finality aligning with
philosophical concepts of the soul or consciousness persisting
beyond physical death.
Questions on the future; It encourages exploration for
existential questions about the nature of existence, the purpose
of life and the mysteries of afterlife or subsequent phases.
CONCLUSION
Viewing death as a transition rather than an end profoundly
shapes ethical behaviour, cultural practices and individual
attitudes towards life and mortality. It promotes respect for life,
empathy, cultural rituals that honor transitions and personal
reflections and meaning and fear. The perspective invites
contemplation of existence beyond physical realm and tapestry
and encourages a deeper understanding of the human
experience.
Q2. Compare and contrast the representation of death in two different cultures
or religious traditions. How do these representations shape the respective
societies’ rituals, mourning processes and overall world view on the cycle of life
and death? (15marks)
INTRODUCTION
Comparing and contrasting the representation of death in two different cultural
and religious traditions can provide insights into how these beliefs shape rituals,
mourning processes and overall worldview on the cycle of life and death. The
comparison of two representative religious groups (Hinduism and Christianity)
are as shown below;
HINDUISM
In Hinduism, death is viewed as a natural encyclical process tide to
reincarnation. The soul (at man) is believed to be immortal and undergoes
repeated births and deaths until it achieves liberation. The circle of life and
death(samsara) is governed by Karma, where one’s actions in past lives
determine their future incarnation. Death, therefore, marks a transition rather
than an end point. Rituals such as cremation (antiyest) are performed to release
the soul from the body and facilitate its journey to the afterlife or rebirth.
Mourning is tampered by the belief that the departed will be reborn based on
their Karma influencing the rituals and prayers preformed for the deceased.
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION
In ancient Egypt, death was seen as a gateway to the afterlife, where the soul
embarks on a perilious journey through various realms before the field of realms
or undergoing judgement in the hall of ma-at. The preservation of the body
through mummification was crucial as the soul(ka) required a physical form to
recognise and return to during its journey. Rituals and funery practices including
elaborate tombs and grave goods, were designed to ensure the deceased
successful passage to the afterlife. Mourning rituals such as professional
mourners and prayers were intergral to the grieving process emphasizing the
continuation of the individual existence beyond death in the afterlife.
BUDHISM
Representation of death; In Budhism, death is viewed as a natural and inevitable
part of life, marking the transition from one existence to the other within the
cycle of incarnation (Sanora). Death is seen as temporary end to current
physical form but not to conciousness, which continues to a new life based on
accumulated karma. The ultimate goal is to achieve liberation from this cycle
through enlightenment.
Impact of Rituals and Mourning; Budhist funeral rituals vary by tradition but
often involve chanting of scriptures, prayers for the deceased peaceful journey
and practices such as cremation. These rituals aim to guide the departed soul
and comfort the living, emphasizing impermanence in the importance of
spiritual preparation for death. Mourning is seen as a natural process, and
there’s emphasis on supporting the deceased transition rather than prolonged
grief.
Worldview on life and death; Budhism perspective on death shapes a world
view centred on impermanence and the interconnectedness of all life It
encourages followers to cultivate mindfulness and moral conduct to navigate the
cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. This worldview fosters acceptance of death as
part of a broader cosmic order, promoting a peaceful approach to both life and
its inevitable end.
COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
Similarities
Both Budhism and ancient Egyptian beliefs acknowledge death as a transition to
another state of existence. Rituals in both traditions aim to guide the deceased
and ensure the wellbeing of the afterlife. There’s a shared emphasis on spiritual
preparation and continuation of conciousness beyond physical deaths. But
budhism focuses on the impermanence of life and the attainment of spiritual
enlightment to break free from the cycle of rebirth whereas ancient Egptian
beliefs emphasize the preservation of the physical body and social status in the
afterlife. Budhists mourning processes generally emphasize acceptance and
spiritual growth while ancient Egptian rituals involve elaborate preparation and
offerings to sustain the deceased journey.
IMPACT ON THE SOCIETY
Budhism fosters a worldview that integrates death into a broader spiritual
journey, promoting moral conduct and mindfulness. Ancient Egytian beliefs re-
enforced social structures and religious practices centred around death,
influencing art, architecture and societal norms.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this representation of death in budhism and ancient Egptian
religion illustrate diverse approaches to understanding mortality and the
afterlife, they profoundly shape ritual, mourning processes and societal
worldviews on the cycle of life and death reflecting unique cultural perspective
on spiritual continuity and the significance of ugly existence.
REFERENCES:
1. Death, Transition, and Change: Perspectives on African Philosophy" by P. J. A.
2. Death and the Afterlife in African Religions" edited by Edward L. Queen II
and Stephen D. Glazier
3. African Religions: Symbol, Ritual, and Community" by Benjamin C. Ray