Hinduism consists of a number of related Indian religious traditions, all of which

are centuries old. Although a pantheon of lesser gods is associated with Hinduism,
as demonstrated in Indian temples and holy places, most devout Hindus believe in
the existence of the Supreme Being or deity. The many less powerful gods and
goddesses are considered to be forms or derivatives of the one deity, with power
and interest in specific areas of one’s life.

The concept of reincarnation or rebirth influences the dying Hindu’s attitude toward
death; death itself is viewed as union with God. How one has lived in this world is
influential in how one might return in the next life; this concept is referred to as
karma.

Hindu patients often prefer to die at home where they can be more certain of the
presence of a priest (Green, 1989a). A Brahmin priest, who performs the death rites,
may tie a string or cord around the dying person’s neck or wrist which should not be
removed; prayers are also chanted by the priest. Following a Hindu’s death, the
funeral is usually carried out within 24 hours, and cremation is the traditional ritual.

Beliefs/Practices and Nursing Intervention for Hindu

patients
Hindus accepts traditional medical treatment

- Inform physician of patient’s concern.

- Explain to patient/family the action of all medication before administering

them.

- Report to physician and chart any medications refused and reason for refusal.

Hindus are vegetarian

- Allow patient/family to select diet for each meal.

Hindu patient may prefer a light diet in the morning and evening and a
heavy meal at noon. Some Hindu patients may fast on a specific day of the
week or month.

- Encourage patient/family to write in food preferences when not listed.

- Arrange for visit by dietitian.

Hindus may practice Ayurveda, the traditional Indian science of health

that uses herbs to treat disease. Some Hindus also practice folk medicine

- Ask the patient of all cultures and in all settings:

 • Question use of herbs in daily life so possible drug interactions can be
avoided.

• Question us of folk medicine. If practice is not harmful, include practice

in plan of care. If practice is harmful, repattern practice.

Hindu patients may have a thread in their torso or around their wrist to
signify a blessing

- Avoid removing the thread.

Hindu priests generally are not involved in illness care

- Provide privacy for visit of priest

Significant others of Hindu patients may perform tradition with the

patients

- Arrange the environment to accommodate the family.

- Provide quiet and privacy

Puja, the worship of Hindu deities, is preceded by outer purification.

Hindu patients may request a daily bath

- Provide necessary equipment for bathing for ambulatory patients.

- If patient requires assistance, assist with bath before meal

- If bathing required in bed, add hot water to cold water (Lipson, 1996)

Hindus believe in the wheel of birth, life and death (reincarnation) until
they break through the illusions of the world and participate in the
manifestation of the true self (Atman, the deathless of self, the soul).
Meditation and grace will help the Hindu believer to realize the Supreme
self, which is hidden in the heart. When this occurs, eternal peace or
Brahman (the universal soul and source, the Absolute Truth) is the
reward.

Hindus believe in re-birth and death (reincarnation). They do not believe

in concept of an immortal soul.

- Accept the patient’s right to this beliefs; avoid agreeing and disagreeing

Hindus believe in karma, the law of cause and effect by which thoughts,
words, and deeds of each person create his or her own destiny. One reaps
what one sows. Karma is carried over to the next life and determines the
form of each existence.

- For dying patients, make provision for rites and ceremonies by the family
and/or spiritual leaders.

- Avoid interfering with praying, singing, and chanting.

- Allow the family/spiritual leader to place water in the mouth of Hindu

patients.

Hindus treat the body with respect. Cremation is common to Hindus. The
Hindu patient’s ashes are saved, to be disposed of in a holy river. The
family may want to wash the body in preparation for cremation.

- Inform the funeral director of patient’s religion

- When requested, provide the family with equipment to wash the body.

- Present possible organ donation to family in a private environment.

SOURCE:

Success in Practical/Vocational Nursing 5th Edition (Hill, Howlett)

Spirituality in Nursing 4th Edition (Mary Elizabeth O’Brien)