The Art of Communication for Letting Go by the Buddha : The Case of Sending His Royal Father to a Blissful State

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the art of communication employed by the Buddha during the final moments of King Suddhodana’s life and to extract lessons applicable to contemporary end-of-life care. The analysis reveals that the Buddha adopted a highly sensitive and skillful communication strategy, which included the following key elements: 1. The use of simple yet profound language, deliberately avoiding complex doctrinal terminology; 2. The use of analogies and metaphors that resonate with the listener’s lived experiences; 3. A structured delivery of content that progressed from simple to complex, and from the concrete to the abstract; 4. The use of compassionate tone and nonverbal cues that conveyed kindness and empathy; and 5. The selection of Dhamma teachings that were appropriate for the situation, particularly the concepts of the Three Marks of Existence (Tilakkhaṇa) and the Four Noble Truths (Ariya-sacca).

The most striking aspect of this communicative art lies in its balance between truth and compassion—respecting the dignity of the dying while guiding them toward a wise and peaceful letting go. The insights drawn from this analysis can be applied to modern palliative care in several ways: Communicating mindfully and sincerely; Using Dhamma principles as a framework for facing death; Helping patients understand that letting go is a form of liberation, not abandonment; Creating a peaceful environment conducive to spiritual release; and Providing space for resolving unfinished matters. This article highlights that communication at the end of life is not merely about offering comfort—it is about opening the path to wisdom and awakening. It illustrates that true love does not lie in attachment but in guiding the other toward liberation.