Eye on religion: clinicians and Hinduism.

Hinduism is as much a "way of life" as a religion and affects every aspect of life for Hindus from birth throughout their life. Hindus believe that as all streams and rivers lead to the same ocean, all genuine religious (spiritual) paths lead to the same goal; worship of every form of "GOD" and celestial forces leads to the same God. Each one is allowed to pray and worship to a form or a formless according to one's own knowledge, desire, need and spiritual elevation. Hindus believe that God will come to them in every form one desires and prays according to one's need and wish.

One of the principles of Hinduism is the Law of Karma, and karma means not only action, but also the result of an action. The consequence of an action is really not a separate thing. It is a part of the action, and cannot be divided from it. Breathing, thinking, talking, seeing, hearing, eating, etc, are karmas. Thinking is mental karma. Karma is the sum total of our acts both in the present life and in preceding lives. Hindus believe in reincarnation, or "life after death." Every individual soul returns to earth several times by rebirth to perform proper karma to purify itself. Once purified by good karma, the soul reaches liberation with no rebirth.

A detailed code of medical ethics was already well evolved by 600 BC. In essence, the code required medical practitioners to lead a life dedicated to caring for the sick and maintain patient confidentiality. Cultural conducts while treating patients were also presented in detail. A physician who desires success, profit, a good name, and finally, a place in heaven, must pray daily for all creatures.

Many Hindus may wish to use Ayurveda, an ancient Indian science, the origin of which can be traced to the Vedas, which are the oldest available classics of the world. Vedas are the ancient books of knowledge or science from India. Ayurveda is a science dealing not only with treatment of diseases but is also a complete way of life. Meditation is also a significant therapy in Ayurveda.

It is vital to involve the family in matters of diagnosis, treatment, and consents for procedures, etc. It is usually a tradition among Hindu families to have an elder person in the family be the spokesperson and this should be respected.

Hindus, particularly women, are very modest and are likely to be uncomfortable with male physicians. They may be very reluctant to disrobe during examination. There may be language barriers and therefore a trained interpreter may be necessary. Very often a patient's family may play this role especially to preserve the confidentiality of the physician-patient relationship.

Hindu women traditionally wear mangalasutra (a long gold wedding pendent) around the neck and this should not be removed unless absolutely necessary. Many men wear a sacred thread draped over the shoulder and this has religious significance. This also should not be removed or cut unless absolutely necessary. Some Hindus, particularly orthodox Hindus, will express their preference to have procedures done only on certain auspicious days based on the Hindu calendar.

The majority of Hindus are strict vegetarians and have other dietary restrictions. Dieticians with such knowledge may be made available to assist sick Hindu patients.

Hindus believe that the time of death is determined by one's destiny. Death and illness are accepted as part of life and most Hindus face this gracefully. In fact, many patients prefer to die at home and there are specific rituals and practices performed at the time of death. A priest may be called upon to perform these rituals and facilities provided for prayer and blessing. The majority of Hindus cremate the dead.

Hinduism encourages self-healing. Self healing is 1) testing the powers of one's mind positively and constructively 2) listening to the intelligence and wisdom of one's body 3) harnessing the creative, positive energy of one's emotions 4) finding one's place in the greater scheme of things and developing a philosophy or a spiritual awareness that gives one's life a sense of meaning.

Hindus search for enlightenment of oneness, beyond grasping at self, beyond duality, beyond happiness or sadness, beyond positive or negative karma. Realizing the true nature of our minds is the ultimate healing; but the ordinary mind also has healing powers.

Uma Mysorekar, MD

Reprint requests to Dr. Uma Mysorekar, The Hindu Temple Society of North America, 45-57 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11355. Email: [e-mail].