Hindu Chaplaincy Resources
- Yvonne Aburrow
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
About Hinduism
Hinduism is the third-largest religion in Canada, with approximately 2.3% of the nation's total population identifying as Hindu in the 2021 census. As of 2021, there were over 828,000 Hindu Canadians.
Hinduism is an umbrella term for a range of Indian religious and spiritual traditions that are unified by adherence to the concept of dharma, a cosmic order maintained by adherents through rituals and righteous living, as expounded in the Vedas.
Attitudes to death and dying
Family is very important to Hindu faith; family may visit in large groups. They
may request that the patient's oldest child remain in the room, even if they are
young.
A Hindu priest may visit to pray with the patient. A sacred thread may be tied
around the patient's neck or wrist, and holy water may be sprinkled over the
patient or used to wet their lips.
The dying person is often placed on the floor, on a sheet or mat to symbolize
their closeness to Mother Earth.
Hindus may view suffering as a way of resolving bad actions from a past or
current life. They may decline pain medication to remain mentally alert.
They may emphasize decision-making by the family and community, rather
than the individual making decisions. Decisions may be made by the senior
family member or oldest son.
Dietary restrictions, cleansing rituals, and modesty customs may vary among
Hindu patients. Many female Hindu patients will request only female
caregivers.
If a patient dies outside the home, they may request to bring the body home for
ritual bathing, dressing, and for the family to say goodbye.
Hindus prefer cremation and they will remain with the body until cremation
occurs.
The body should not be washed, as this will be carried out later with relatives.
Family may find it distressing if a non-Hindu touches the body after death. If
no family is present, the eyes should be closed, and the limbs straightened. No
jewellery or religious objects should be removed.
