Question

As a nursing student, how would you advocate the religious tolerance in the society?

Answer 1

Strategies for improving cultural competence in individuals and systems include:

• Encouraging family to participate in healthcare decision making

• Incorporating culture-specific values into health promotion

• Providing cultural awareness training

• Providing an environment that allows traditional healers

• Providing interpreter services

• Recruiting minority staff

Hinduism

Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religion with roots and customs dating back more than 4000 years. It is the third-largest religion, with nearly one billion followers worldwide.

Beliefs

• An attitude of mutual tolerance and belief that all approaches to God are valid.

• Duties to God, parents, society, and teachers.

• Future lives influenced by how one faces disability, illness, or death.

• Goal to break free of an imperfect world and reunite with God.

• Pain and suffering are seen as a result of prior actions (karma).

• Reincarnation and karma.

Death

• The atmosphere around a dying person must be peaceful.

• Autopsy and organ donation acceptable.

• Children under age two usually buried.

• Cremation is common on the day of death and the body not left alone until cremated.

• Euthanasia is forbidden.

• Immediately after death, the family may wash the body and the priest may pour water into the mouth.

• No restriction on the prolongation of life.

• Prefer to die at home.

• Religious chanting before and after death by family, friends, and priest.

• The Gita or scripture is recited to provide comfort.

• The last thoughts are of God

Diet

• Fasting is important on special holy days as wells as certain days for the lunar calendar, and days of the week representing specific deities.

• The right hand is used for eating and the left hand for toileting and hygiene.

• Vegetarianism common, or may avoid beef and pork.

Health

• Bathing after a meal may be considered the cause of dyspepsia.

• Blood and blood products acceptable.

• Father or husband is the primary spokesperson for the family and to whom questions should be directed, and women may not request special care.

• Hot water can be added to cold, but cold water may not be added to hot.

• Organ donation and receipt acceptable.

• Personal hygiene important and daily bathing required.

• Prayer for health is not favorable; stoicism is preferable.

Holy Issues

• Must be barefoot during religious worship

• Must sit at a lower elevation than where the deity image has been placed.

• No formal hierarchical structure

• Not a church-based religion

• Praying, meditating, recitation, and scripture reading

• Several holy days

• Special respect for elders

• Specific ceremonies vary due to local customs

• A supportive environment and privacy for rites

• Ten to eleven days after birth, the

• priest performs the naming ceremony.

Pregnancy

• Against abortion, unless the mother's life is in danger.

• Birth control and artificial insemination acceptable. ..

• Circumcision is uncommon.

• The exact time of birth is important.

• May not want to name the newborn immediately

Symbols and Rites

• Sacred writings and objects include candles, fresh flowers, incense, prayer beads, and sandalwood.

Clinical Significance

• No clinical issues that inhibit healthcare.