The first definition of death to appear in a Google search comes from Wikipedia (of course), and states in the coldest and most dispassionate terms that:
"Death is the termination of the biological functions that sustain a living organism."
Is this what you would tell a child if they asked you what death is? I suppose in this way it is a much easier concept to grasp than others and is the scientific answer, but I would like to think the majority of us believe it is more than that.
I have been fascinated by (and will admit, somewhat afraid of) religion and the effect it can have on people. The very scope of religion and people who follow them clearly have an impact on most of the people in this world, and I wanted to look at the beliefs and the way death is conceptualized in various religions, as they usually have incredibly eloquent ways of describing it.
Christianity is based on the concept of having a specific "time to die" and although the acceptance of Jesus Christ supposedly grants you eternal life, "faithful" Christians await the second coming of Christ to really be immortal. While this is going on, Christians believe you will enter Heaven if you have lived without sin. Heaven seems to be a rather broad idea and it is said that no real definition exists because our minds are not able to imagine such beauty, but pieces of definition include: a sea of glass, river of crystal, and a city that is pure gold and clear as glass. Something along the lines of this:
http://www.randalldsmith.com/my_weblog/2009/07/speaking-of-heaven-revelation-21-and-22.html
http://www.lightandmagic.co.uk/heaven-life/gates-to-heaven.html
Christians used to practice inhumation almost exclusively, but the idea of cremation is gaining popularity.
Judaism uses death to stress the importance of living a meaningful life as it will eventually come to an end, and when it does everything in that life will be justified. Life is though to be so sacred, that violating the commandments will be forgiven if it was done to save a life. As for the treatment of the body, a person is never left alone from the time that they die and when they're buried. An organization is present in most communities called the chevra kaddisha who care for the dead, and they are all volunteers as their services are priceless. The body is wrapped in a plain, linen shroud and buried in the earth. Cremation is not allowed and if the body is in a coffin, holes must be drilled so that they may come in contact with the earth, and the body must never be exposed during the burial. There is also an extensive period of mourning including: aninut (1 or 2 days), shiva (7 days), shloshim (30 days) and avelut (12 months, but is only for a parent).
http://www.pjvoice.com/v28/28006iraq.aspx
Buddhism followers also believe that death is incredibly important and rather than the idea of your soul continuing to live on, they believe death is an awakening. The person is said to go into a four day trance after death, called First Bardo, in which the person does not know they're dead; which is why monks, family and friends will repeat mantras to a person who is dying; so they are in a peaceful state of mind before death. A common mantra is:
"Even the gorgeous royal chariots wear out; and indeed this body too wears out. But the teaching of goodness does not age; and so Goodness makes that known to the good ones."
Monks continue to chant and follow the body along with the family to the funeral, where the body is cremated. Food and candles are given to the monks as a sign of goodwill. Second Bardo begins after a person has accepted the "Clear Light", and they see everything that has happened to them and everything they have ever thought. Third Bardo is the state one is in, when seeking a new birth.
http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1850/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1850-18088.jpg
Looking at these different practices and beliefs was quite inspiring and if I had to choose, I would prefer a Buddhist burial. Their views are incredibly peaceful and uplifting, and I like the simple fact that goodness is what endures and must be ensured for others.
These are the main sources I used, and have more information:
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