Paper 10

The concept of life has the different meanings in Buddhist philosophy and biological science. Biology defines Life through observable and measurable characteristics and Life is sustained by genetic mechanisms, biochemical interactions, and evolutionary processes, although viruses, bacterial spores, embryos, and stem cells challenge these criteria. While increasingly interdisciplinary approach, biology remains limited to empirical and testable domains, thereby excluding metaphysical claims about rebirth or post-mortem existence. In contrast, Buddhist Abhidhamma understands life as a psycho-physical continuum devoid of any fixed self, and their lineages(Kamma), extending from conception through death and rebirth. This study aims to comparatively examine Buddhist and biological concepts of life and their implications for medical ethics finding both convergent and divergent points to contribute a more comprehensive understanding of life leading to peaceful society. A qualitative comparative and philosophical method was employed through textual analysis of Buddhist Abhidhamma together with relevant concepts from biomedical ethics. Both perspectives reject static essentialism, instead conceptualizing life as dynamic and relational. While biology emphasizes material causation, Buddhism integrates biological, psychological, and ethical dimensions, highlighting moral responsibility and liberation from suffering. Buddhism distinguishes living beings from living things; therefore, the use of antibiotics, antivirals, and disinfectants against microorganisms is not considered intentional killing. Life is understood to begin at conception with the arising of rebirth consciousness under appropriate physical conditions; consequently, contraception before conception differs ethically from abortion after conception. Biological death is determined by irreversible loss of vital functions, whereas Buddhist Abhidhamma emphasizes cessation of mental and material life faculties. Euthanasia is therefore considered ethically impermissible when intentional killing occurs. Intention is also central to ethical evaluation of animal experimentation, food consumption. IVF, cloning, and stem-cell research raise additional questions concerning the conditions necessary for the emergence and continuation of life. Hypnotherapy proved uncountable lives and effects of past memories or actions (karma). Meditation is a practical field to observe positive and negative feedback of hormonal or biochemical effects. The study concludes that biological and Buddhist perspectives provide complementary dimensions of understanding life. Biology offers empirical criteria, while Buddhism provides a philosophical and ethical framework based on kamma. Integrating these perspectives may contribute to a broader and more ethically sensitive framework for contemporary medical practice.