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.
proud to be an hindu... hanuman chalisa team member
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