Hinduism how many lives

The om symbol is composed of three Sanskrit letters and represents three sounds a, u and m , which when combined are considered a sacred sound. The om symbol is often found at family shrines and in Hindu temples.

The primary sacred texts, known as the Vedas, were composed around B. This collection of verses and hymns was written in Sanskrit and contains revelations received by ancient saints and sages.

Most scholars believe Hinduism started somewhere between B. But many Hindus argue that their faith is timeless and has always existed. Around B. Rituals, such as sacrifices and chanting, were common in the Vedic Period.

Hindus began to emphasize the worship of deities, especially Vishnu, Shiva and Devi. The concept of dharma was introduced in new texts, and other faiths, such as Buddhism and Jainism, spread rapidly. Hinduism and Buddhism have many similarities. Buddhism, in fact, arose out of Hinduism, and both believe in reincarnation, karma and that a life of devotion and honor is a path to salvation and enlightenment. But some key differences exist between the two religions: Buddhism rejects the caste system of Hinduism, and does away with the rituals, the priesthood and the gods that are integral to the Hindu faith.

The Medieval Period of Hinduism lasted from about to A. New texts emerged, and poet-saints recorded their spiritual sentiments during this time. In the 7th century, Muslim Arabs began invading areas in India. During parts of the Muslim Period, which lasted from about to , Islamic rulers prevented Hindus from worshipping their deities, and some temples were destroyed.

Indian statesman and activist Mahatma Gandhi, Between and , the British controlled India. At first, the new rulers allowed Hindus to practice their religion without interference.

But later, Christian missionaries sought to convert and westernize the people. Many reformers emerged during the British Period. The partition of India occurred in , and Gandhi was assassinated in British India was split into what are now the independent nations of India and Pakistan , and Hinduism became the major religion of India. Starting in the s, many Hindus migrated to North America and Britain, spreading their faith and philosophies to the western world. An early 18th century depiction of Devi revered by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Hindus worship many gods and goddesses in addition to Brahman, who is believed to be the supreme God force present in all things. Karma guides how a Hindu lives, and each person's deeds both in current and past lifetimes determine what sort of rebirth they attain. Karma is a combination of cosmic and moral cause and effect that crosses lifetimes and life lessons learned for spiritual growth.

There are three types of karma: karma from past lives that may or may not be experienced in the present lifetime, karma currently being created, and future karma or karmic experiences saved for a future lifetime. The ultimate goal after living many lifetimes is to be released from rebirth or to achieve moksha; becoming one with Brahman. A discussion of Indian culture and Hinduism would be incomplete without a mention of the caste system.

For thousands of years, a strictly defined social structure existed in India. Each group or caste performed certain functions in society. The four main groups were the Brahman or priests; the kshatriyas, which were governors and administrators; the vaisya, who were the merchants and farmers; and the sudras, who performed menial tasks such as street sweeping and were considered spiritually unclean.

The caste system was abolished in , and while its influence is fading, some effects remain. Suffering for the Hindu is highly related to the concept of karma, for example, "Belief in karma and reincarnation are strong forces at work in the Hindu mind.

Hindus believe that there are certain life lessons to be learned before achieving moksha. Working through the karmic situation will resolve that karmic issue resulting in a lesson learned. A Hindu who is getting older or who has a terminal illness will "tie up loose ends" by apologizing where needed, talking with family and friends to resolve conflicts, and generally fulfilling all known responsibility.

Spiritual suffering for a Hindu comes from knowing at the end of life responsibilities are left undone, karmic tasks are not completed, or bad thoughts and deeds predominated. The concept of karma conveys that suffering is part of life. Suffering is a result of past thoughts and actions either in this life or a previous life. By enduring suffering, a Hindu "pays for" or cancels past negative actions. From a nursing perspective, karma and spiritual suffering can have several ramifications.

Hindus who feel they need to diminish or alleviate past karma may wish to endure suffering. This may involve fasting, doing penance such as intense prayer or worship, or enduring pain even when medication is available.

Fasting can have several forms. The patient may wish to avoid only certain foods or not eat certain meals or at certain times of the day. Other forms of atoning for bad thoughts or deeds can include confession to a guru or priest, repentance either public or private, sacrifice such as shaving the head, religious ceremonies, gift giving to the poor or to the temple, and pilgrimages to sacred spots.

Assisting the patient and family to be able to complete religious ceremonies, prayer, or penance may be very important to their spiritual well-being. Assisting the patient and family does not necessarily mean participating; it can mean helping them find the materials or just assuring them that they will not be disturbed.

Allowing private time and space for these activities will be helpful. Fearing death is natural and results from a fear of the unknown. According to Hinduism Today , a person with a terminal illness should tell family and friends so they can prepare for their loved one's death and be happy for them.

Hindus believe that death must come naturally at the proper time. Life should not be prolonged by aggressive medical means unless it will result in a good quality of life. If the patient is a parent of young children, more aggressive treatments are often sought in the hope of prolonging life to provide for the children. Nor should life be cut short willfully. Speeding up death by artificial means would result in a large karmic debt.

Suicide would result in many lesser rebirths to "make up" for the karmic debt of ending one's life unnaturally. See Table 2 for a summary of palliative and end-of-life issues. Hindus may endure pain or uncomfortable symptoms to face death with a clear mind.

They may use medication to control symptoms, but may avoid using so much that it reduces their consciousness. Rabindrnath Tagore, 20 a Hindu philosopher, once said "let me not beg for the stilling of my pain but for the heart to conquer it. Intentionally bringing all one's attention and energy to the top of the head and thinking thoughts of Brahman help the soul leave the body in the highest possible state.

As death approaches, the bed should be turned so the head faces east. Hindus with a terminal illness or certain other disabling conditions are allowed to choose a "self-willed death by fasting" 19 but must tell their family and community. This is an acceptable method of ending suffering. Friends of the family brought a CD player and played some traditional music. The temple priest was called and brought Tulsi leaves and sacred water.

Family, friends, and the temple priest stayed with Mrs S. Her youngest son chanted her mantra into her right ear. The priest applied holy ash to Mrs S. After death, all the pictures of deities in the household are turned to face the wall. The body is placed in the home's entryway with the head facing south "reflecting a return to the lap of Mother Earth.

If necessary, these rituals can take place in a mortuary. Bodies are always cremated, never embalmed, although they can be frozen for up to 3 days so relatives can attend the funeral rites. The family may wish to witness the cremation and even start the cremation fire. The family may return to collect the ashes directly from the crematorium. After the family returns from the crematorium, everyone bathes, and the entire house is cleaned.

The ashes are scattered in an ocean or a river or are sent to India to be scattered in the Ganges River. Infants and young children are the exception to the cremation rule: since they have not accumulated bad karma and are considered pure, infants and young children may be buried.

The period immediately following death is considered a time of impurity. A pot of water is set in the entryway and is changed every day for 31 days. On the third, fifth, seventh, and ninth days, a meal of the deceased's favorite foods is prepared, and a portion is put in front of a photograph of the deceased.

The time of impurity can last from several days to a year. The length of the time of impurity is traditionally determined by caste: the lower the caste, the longer the time of impurity. Healthcare decisions in Hindu families will likely be made by the most senior member of the patient's family or the eldest son. Other cultural differences may or may not be relevant, depending on the acculturation of the family, and are directly contradictory to Western views.

For example, addressing the head of the family first shows respect in Indian culture, while maintaining eye contact with a head of family or elder shows disrespect. The best course is to tread lightly and be aware until discernment can be made of individual preferences. Accepting the end of life is part of Hindu philosophy.

Artificially prolonging life is generally thought of as interfering with karma. Interventions such as intubation, artificial feeding, or very aggressive care in the face of a terminal illness would go against traditional Hindu thinking. Most Hindus believe that humans are in a cycle of death and rebirth called samsara. When a person dies, their atman is reborn in a different body. Some believe rebirth happens directly at death, others believe that an atman may exist in other realms.

Hindus believe that an atman may enter swarg or narak for a period before rebirth.