Hinduism
Because of the diversity among Hindus, death rituals will vary based on factors such as acculturation, socioeconomic status, geographical region, etc.
Family members may be reluctant to have a diagnosis of terminal illness disclosed to the dying relative. To do so may be seen as hastening the family member’s death and destroying hope.[8]
Dying patients may choose to fast to ensure that the body is pure at the time of death.[8]
Vomiting and/or incontinence may be viewed as signs of a “bad death.”[8]
Suicide: Strongly condemned. The belief is that taking one’s life prematurely results in forces of karma that lead to much more pain and suffering than would have been encountered if one had not committed suicide.[2]
The physical body dies, but the soul has no beginning or end. The person may pass into another reincarnation.[17]
Although death rituals vary, if death occurs in the home, the family may want to place the dying person’s body on a clean sheet and/or mat on the floor with the head pointing north (toward Mount Kailasha in the Himalayas–the home of Lord Siva/Shiva). This symbolizes closeness to Mother Earth and freedom from physical constraints. It is also believed to facilitate the departure of the soul.[8, 10, 15]
Expect that family members will want to stay in close attendance with the dying Hindu. It is viewed as a family responsibility and of great importance to hear/acknowledge the last words of a dying relative. The last words of the dying relative may give some comfort to family members that the individual’s soul will have a “good” journey into the next world. It is desirable that God be in the thoughts of the dying person at the time of death. Prayers may be offered, as well as other death rites to facilitate the appropriate transmigration of the soul. If friends live close by, it will be a religious duty to pay respects to the family. Allow privacy and adequate time.[8, 10, 18]
Consult family members about their beliefs regarding non-family members touching the body after death. Religious rites will be performed. The oldest son has a sacred duty to perform death rites for the father. A close male family member will be selected to perform these duties if it is impossible for the eldest son to do so. The family will want to wash the family member’s body following death (symbolizes cleansing of the soul). Threads tied to the body by a priest or any jewelry should be left in place. The priest may pour a small amount of sacred water in the mouth of the dead person as part of religious rites of death.[7, 19]
Autopsy: Generally acceptable only if legally necessary.
Organ Donation: Acceptable
Cremation is generally the disposition of choice for adults and is preferably completed within 24 hours following death. Cremation is seen as a method of purifying the dead and expediting the travel of the soul from this world to the next. Children are generally buried because their personalities are not fully formed and therefore, do not need the purification provided through cremation.[8, 19, 20]
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