First published in 1997, this book examines our understanding of the way in which our society deals with the issues of death and dying. 'This book makes an original and important contribution to that trans-disciplinary endeavour which is bioethics. Its respectful use of the insights of life within a hospice assists our understandings of death, dying, palliative care, and their associated discourses. Perhaps most importantly, in examining the richness of death and dying via a bioethical lens, it helps to show spiritual dimensions of life, too long neglected in secular bioethics. This is a study on the cutting edge of bioethics, with insights for members of all the health care professions.' Christopher Newell, Senior Lecturer in Medical Ethics, University of Tasmania and Vice President, Australian Bioethics Association '...a refreshing and timely challenge to the predominance of the medical model in care of the dying in our Westernized society...the book should be read by professionals caring for the dying in hospitals or nursing homes, for whom it should present a special challenge.' Journal of Medical Ethics '...The author anticipates, acknowledges and responds...her challenge has been to move from a secular, modernist, scientific understanding of end-of-life issues towards the yet-to-be fully explored postmodern approach' Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy '...some insights are fascinating...focuses on the unresolved tensions and problems of the research. This is a thought-provoking book that clarifies a Buddhist understanding of spiritualist...has important implications for the research question, the findings, and the conclusions drawn' Review of Politics