Buddhism can serve as a resource for the on-going discussion of bioethical issues which have
arisen with new scientific knowledge and new circumstances of modern life. The Buddhist
"middle way" ethic, based on the concept of interdependence, for example, is an alternative
between the two extreme positions on abortion i.e. the pro-abortion view and its opposite.
Similarly, the Buddhist emphasis on intention as the important ingredient in ethical decision is
useful for our reflection on bioethical issues in the gray areas where ethical water becomes
muddy and where one has to choose between the two evils. The Buddhist understanding of death
as a process and not an event is another example. It supports the total brain death approach which
prohibits the premature removal of organs for transplantation. Moreover, the Buddhist deathaccepting
attitude and the great spiritual importance it gives to the dying process can
significantly contribute to the discussion on euthanasia and the care for the dying. This Buddhist
approach to dying also implies the right to die (i.e. to let death comes naturally without fruitless
treatment) of a person when there is no hope for recovery. The "letting-go-of-life" view is on
alternative between act-utilitarian approach where the end justifies the means and the apposing
deontological position. But since all the bioethical issues that have been under discussion today
are the questions and challenges which Buddhism has not encountered before, Buddhism has to
reflect on its traditional understanding in a new way to meet new circumstances. Living tradition
has always done this in different times and places. That is why they could still remain alive
today. Such adaptation is necessary and does not violate the teaching because Buddhism itself
teaches us not to cling to any belief and practice, but to direct our attention to reality and what
will release suffering from human kind.