Sheng Yen Education Foundation Distinguished Scholar Lecture
Title: Amitābha 2.0: From “Dying Well” to “Living Well”
Speaker
Jens Reinke
Professor, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Date & Time
March 27, 2026 (Friday)
13:30–15:30
Venue
Room 190101,
National Chengchi University Dazhi Building
Dying and death often seem very far away. Yet impermanence is part of everyone’s life. We may experience the loss of loved ones, friends, or even a pet. And eventually, all of us will face death.
As societies change, ideas about what counts as a “good death” also change. These ideas are shaped by local traditions, religious beliefs, modern medicine, and many other social developments.
This lecture explores these changes by looking at how Taiwanese Buddhists respond to questions of aging, dying, and death today. Through this example, we will also reflect together on the many possible ways of thinking about a good death in contemporary society.
We will explore how preparing for a good death also involves aging well, and how this preparation ultimately points toward living a good life that begins today.
