Hindu+End+of+Life-+Death,+Dying,+Suffering+and+Karma

Thrane, Susan. “Hindu End of Life: Death, Dying, Suffering and Karma.” Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing 12.6 (2010): 337-342. Web.

This article gives us an insight of post-death rituals in Hinduism along with a couple of case studies to support it. It starts with the fact that death is the beginning of a new life. Further, the case study explains the fact that people following Hinduism tend to avoid treatments that hurts the body. Instead, they believe in the practice of a peaceful death. Reincarnation depends on an individual’s Karma. As death is near, an individual will try to apologize to people for his/her bad deeds and give blessings to people. Ideally, an individual following Hinduism prefers a death at his home surrounded by family and relatives. 13 days’ post death, the period is considered as a time of impurity. The individual is dressed in new clothes and offered sacred (tulsi) water on their deathbed.

The article is useful as it provides two case studies which conclude important facts about death in Hinduism. Also, it makes us aware of the ideal conditions surrounding a death. Moreover, it states that a death should not happen during conditions of stress and pressure (i.e. suicide) which is considered as a bad death. The post-death activities include various traditions followed by people since several years.