People have often observed the phenomenon of tears before death, which they call “maternal tears.” So why do elderly people often shed tears before passing away?

(Illustrative image: Ground Picture/Shutterstock)
Several possible reasons can be pointed out:

1. When a person is about to die, the six senses gradually deteriorate (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind). For example, when their eyes and ears fail—unable to see or hear—they may feel fear deep inside, falling into a state of panic that leads to tears.

2. At the moment of death, everything in their life—from childhood to adulthood—appears before them like a long film reel, including greed and attachments that they cannot let go of, such as material possessions, wealth, power, and fame. Thus, they shed tears of regret.

3. They may see spirits demanding repayment for karmic debts, as grudges have been formed over countless lifetimes in the cycle of reincarnation. When life is nearing its end, these spirits may appear all at once, causing extreme fear.

However, this is not always the case. Some leave this world with a contented smile on their lips, feeling peaceful and comfortable, as if returning to their true home. For instance, many people who have sincerely chanted the Buddha’s name during their lifetime, cultivated their character, turned toward kindness, and performed good deeds can sense their final day approaching. They prepare everything in advance and depart calmly, liberated from the cycle of birth and death. This is what people often call being reborn into the Western Pure Land or ascending to the heavenly realm.

The Near-Death Experience Research Foundation (NDERF) was established in 1998 with the aim of conducting studies on near-death experiences (NDEs). Parts of the NDERF website, including its NDE questionnaire, have been published in more than 20 languages.

The NDERF website has made possible a large-scale study of near-death experiences from all over the world. As of 2014, more than 3,700 near-death experiences have been posted on the site, according to the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Studying thousands of near-death experiences: The human spirit exists independently of the brain


After death, a person does not immediately leave the body. The brain recalls everything they have done in this world. When they realize they have committed too many wrongs in their lifetime, they weep in deep remorse and suffering.

A message for those still living in this world: please understand that death is not the end. We will continue to reincarnate, so we must cease wrongdoing and cultivate virtue from this very moment, so that we will not have to regret it later.