Death+Beliefs+and+Practices+from+an+Asian+Indian+American+Hindu+Perspective

Gupta, Rashmi. “Death Beliefs and Practices from an Asian Indian American Hindu Perspective.” Death Studies March 2011: 244-266. Web.

This article gives an excellent insight on Asian Indian American Hindu(AIAH) group views about death, the reasons considered behind a good death and a bad death, pre-death and post-death ceremonies, etc. The article basically derives facts and information after studying three pre-decided focus groups: Senior Citizens (who have spent latter part of their life in United States), middle-aged adults (who have worked in the United States for most of their life) and young adults (born and raised in United States). It starts with explaining four basic concepts which explain death in Hinduism- dharma, karma, Maya and atman. Then it explains how Death is just considered part of life in Hinduism and it is explained as just transfer of soul from one person to other. It also describes the difference between a good death and bad death. The Pre-death rituals are a unique aspect of this culture wherein all the close relatives, friends etc. spend time with the person who is on the verge of death. The Post-death rituals take care of disposal of the body and various festivities celebrated at every death anniversary by feeding people and doing donations. Also, it explains the relationship between living and the dead and importance of elder son in the family and practices he has to follow during the period.

This article provides valuable information as a response to my research question. It explains how death has its own unique meaning in our culture. Not only that, it also gives me an idea of various pre-death practices that I was not aware of. Also, it gives an idea how living in United States can affect the way in which people practice these rituals. In conclusion, the article serves as the most valuable piece of information.

Useful Quotes: Human life is divided into four stages, and there are defined rites and rituals for each stage from birth till death. (page 247) The four concepts of dharma (duty), karma (deeds), maya (illusion), and Atman (soul) are intertwined and explain suffering, death, and reincarnation. (page 248) Although the attachment with the deceased is not fostered, it is believed that for the first year after the death the Atman or soul of deceased lives in the astral world until it finds another body. (page 253)