Re:for about Question for -- Death

[Guest guest]

Hinduism and Death OVERVIEW

Reincarnation- the natural process of birth, death and rebirth

-At death, Hindus drop off the physical body and continue evolving in

the inner worlds in heir subtle bodies.

Karma- the natural law of the mind, just as gravity is the law of matter.

-Literally means act or deed.

-The universal principle of cause and effect, action and reaction, which governs all life.

Free will- Hindus believe that man creates his own destiny. So,

actions on Earth in this life determine reactions or where he will be

placed in the future.

 

How do people feel about death?—

-Hindus don’t fear death.

-They look upon death as a spiritual opportunity.

-Embrace death because it’s part of the natural cycle of life.

-The path leads to perfect oneness with God.

 

Is death an individual experience?—

-a Hindu focuses on the mantra, strives to be in the highest state of consciousness,

concentrating on the top of the head and holding to lofty thoughts as he succumbs.

-family and friends strive to be with the Hindu, to support and surround with love,

often chanting the mantra softly.

 

When death is near (preparation)---

-"A Hindu approaching death works diligently to finish all his business of this lifetime."

-Goes around to friends and enemies.

-Gives love, help and blessings, resolving conflicts or differences,

offering apologies and fulfilling obligations.

-That done, he turns to God, reads scriptures, attends temple and amplifies meditation and devotion.

Rituals-----

During death---

-Person placed in entryway of home, head facing east, and lamp is lit

near head, concentrates on the mantra.

-Mantra chanted into right ear (if unconscious)

-Holy ash or sandal paste applied to forehead, milk trickled into mouth.

 

After Death- body turned so that head is facing south., body placed on cot or the ground,

As close to Mother Earth as possible.

-Lamp is kept burning, incense is burned.

-Cloth tied around head, holding mouth closed. Thumbs tied together, big toes tied together.

-Religious pictures turned toward wall.

-Family sings sacred songs.

 

Medical aspects----

-Hindus want to die at home.

-No hospitals if possible.

-If necessary, Hindu goes to hospital, but returns home A.S.A.P. after death.

-Because conscious death is ideal, no drugs, life extensions.

-Under no conditions should the body be embalmed or organs removed for donation.

 

Suicide---

-Hindus should not commit suicide, because it only postpones and

intensifies the karma one seeks escape from, requiring several lives

to return to the evolutionary point that existed at the moment of

suicide.

-If terminally ill, tradition does allow self-willed religious death by fasting.

by ravi

When someone you love dies you find yourself feeling so many different

emotions and you may begin to wonder if you are losing your mind. You

feel anxious, can't concentrate and remembering to do small things

become impossible. But you are NOT losing your mind --- You are

GRIEVINGSteve Connor <sconnor (AT) austin (DOT) rr.com> wrote:

Swamiji,What to do when the fear of death comes?steve

 

 

[Guest guest]

Namaste ALL esp Ravi,

 

Your post giving an overview of death according to Hinduism was very

informative, very interesting! What wisdom was offered!! I

particularly found this section meaningful:

 

A Hindu approaching death works diligently to finish all his business

of this lifetime. Goes around to friends and enemies.Gives love, help

and blessings, resolving conflicts or differences, offering apologies

and fulfilling obligations. -That done, he turns to God, reads

scriptures, attends temple and amplifies meditation and devotion.

 

Not only is that a good way to approach death, but perhaps it is a good way to approach life.

 

Namaste,

Karen