Hinduism and Euthanasia

         Two very influential aspects of life are religion, and spirituality. Often times both play a very large roll in decision making and in lifestyle. Many elderly people begin to rely more than ever on religious affiliations, as these affiliations can often provide emotional security during the aging process. It is not surprising then that religion and spirituality play such a large roll in determining one’s openness to the practice of euthanasia. For many terminally ill elderly people, religious belief systems can be the deciding factor when considering whether to use this practice to end their own lives.

         One religion that seemingly doesn’t condemn euthanasia is Hinduism. In fact, in traditional Indian custom there is a spiritual practice, performed at times by the terminally ill and elderly, that involves fasting until death (Minocha et al, 2011). Hindu beliefs hold that death is not the ultimate end because what is important is the soul, not the body. This religion holds that after death, a soul is reborn in a new body so a body is only a temporary vessel (Babb, 2010). This belief system emphasizes the beauty in death, and emphasizes the importance of having a beautiful and dignified death. For many people, their definition of an optimal death is one that is pain free and happens before a true loss of function due to medical problems. Euthanasia can be a means of achieving this type of death.

         This controversial issue has even been headlining in Indian newspapers recently, and the argument presented in support of legalizing euthanasia is based off of Hindu beliefs. The fact that there is an argument at all for the legality of this practice, and that it is based off of Hindu beliefs, could imply that in Hindu culture euthanasia may be seen as more acceptable than in other cultures. It may be concluded, I believe, that for elderly Hindus considering euthanasia, this belief system, and their response to it, could be an influencing factor.

Babb, L. A. "Hinduism." Credo Reference. Encyclopedia of Social and Cultural Anthropology, 2010. Web. <http:// www.credoreference.com.libproxy.usc.edu/entry/routencsca/ hinduism>.

Minocha, Aneeta A., Arima Mishra, and Vivek R. Minocha. "Euthanasia: A Social Science Perspective." Contify.com. Economic and Political Weekly, 3 Dec. 2011. Web. 29 Mar. 2012.

"Hinduism, Jainism, NGO Pitches for Euthanasia." HT Media Limited. HindustanTimes.com, 13 Feb. 2009. Web.