Dying to Live: The Role of Kamma in Dying and Rebirth

The introduction explains that rebirth is uncertain because the kamma that determines the next life may not simply correspond to a person’s overall moral reputation. The book then introduces basic Abhidhamma concepts, including citta, cetasika, cognitive processes, bhavaṅga, rebirth-linking consciousness, and material phenomena. It proceeds to classify kamma in four ways: by function, order of ripening, time of ripening, and place of ripening. The later chapters focus directly on dying and rebirth. Chapter 3 explains causes of death, dying perceptions, and the Abhidhamma process of death and rebirth. Chapter 4 discusses the order in which rebirth-generating kammas ripen: weighty kamma, near-death kamma, habitual kamma, and reserve kamma, supported by traditional stories. Chapter 5 offers practical proposals for skilful dying and concludes with a personal account illustrating how wholesome mental direction near death may support a favourable rebirth.