Wheel of Life

Dying is merely a change of state on an unbroken continuum of life and death, writes Zen teacher Kapleau. Bedside companion, practical manual and philosophical resource all in one, this sensitive guidebook interweaves ancient Eastern texts, modern commentaries and dialogues into a cohesive narrative that grapples with overcoming the fear of death, minimizing pain, dying with dignity and working though grief. The pros and cons of cremation versus burial are weighed, and guidelines offered on how to make a funeral service a meaningful rite of passage. After explicating the doctrine of karma, Kapleau ( The Three Pillars of Zen ) discusses belief in, and evidence for, reincarnation. Breathing and meditation exercises, plus appendices on the hospice movement and ``living wills'' for persons who do not want their lives artificially prolonged in the event of terminal illness, round out the volume. (Mar.)