By: Britney Faulkner

Interview with a 26 year old girl who is from the Indian Culture group and the Hindu religion.

Discussion of life in America compared to extended family living in India.

Discussion of some basics of the Hindu faith

Thoughts on illness Medical Care and acceptance Treatment Denial Thoughts on terminal illness

Differing viewpoints on EuthanasiaDoing a good deed, fulfilling moral

obligationDisturbing the time cycle of death, affected

by Karma Prayopavesa-fasting Thoughts on killing (euthanasia, murder,

suicide)

Death rites and rituals Teravih-ceremony Place of Death Cremation

Death is not an end Reincarnations Moksha Travel to the next level of existence

Vigil as death approaches Mantra is chanted, no embalmment or organ

donation Homa fire ritual Preparing the body Cremation Ritual impurity Bone-gathering ceremony First memorial 31st-day memorial One year memorial

Funeral rites can be simple or complex depending on the customs, means, and ability of the family.

Rites will vary in the Western countries

It is not a “norm” to have extensive grievingWhat this does to the body or soul

It is the “norm” to be prepared for death and not to fear death

Hinduism in the Western cultural

Journal articles Internet resources

Educational Broadcasting Corporation. (2007). Hindu healing. Religion and Ethics Newsweekly, retrieved April 12th, 2011 from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1125/feature.html.

Laugani, P. (2006). Religious rites and rituals in death and bereavement: An Indian experience. International Journal of Health Promotion and Education, 44(1), 7-13.

Whitman, S.M. (2007). Pain and suffering as viewed by the Hindu religion. The journal of Pain, 8(8), 607-613.