Dignity In Death Legal

Religious Philosophies

Religion	Philosophy/Beliefs	Practices related to death
BUDDHISM	Seeks “truth” through middle way between extremes of asceticism and self indulgence. “Right” living will enable people to attain nirvana. Reincarnation of soul. Emphasis on meditation to relax mind and body to set life in true perspective.	Quietness and privacy for meditation important. Goals as death for mind to be calm, hopeful and as clear as possible (may thus be reluctant to use medications). No special rituals regarding body. Cremation common.
HINDUISM	Wide variety of beliefs held together by an attitude of mutual tolerance—all approaches to God are valid. Goal is to break free of imperfect world and to reunite with Brahman (i.e. everything physical, spiritual and conceptual). Reincarnation and transmigration of soul until reunion with Brahman. Killing of living things outlawed (vegetarian).	Married women wear a nuptial thread and red mark on the forehead; males may wear a sacred thread around the arm; dying patient wearing neck/arm thread may indicated special blessing—none of these symbols should be removed. Readings from Bhjagavad Gita comfort patient. Important that last thoughts or word be of God to ensure rebirth to higher form Prefer to die at home and as close to mother earth as possible. Important for family to wash body; eldest son arranges funeral. Cremation usual with cremated remains scattered on water (preferably the holy river Ganges). See pattern for mourning and final service two weeks after death.
ISLAM (Moslem)	Complete way of life. Belief in God—all people created, live, die and return to God by God’s command. Death is part of life and rebirth into another world. Pork and intoxicating substances prohibited.	Friday is holy day—cleansing ritual prior to prayer—head must face towards Mecca. Reading from Koran to the dying, and patient encouraged to recite verses. After death, a spouse or relative of same sex washes deceased’s body. Burial soon after death, simple with no casket—three days mourning except a spouse (four months, ten days).
JUDAISM	God has a Covenant with humans and if one obeys God’s laws, salvation may be achieved. Chosen to be examples to all. “Messiah” will come to bring world to perfection. Strong family focus.	Practices at death seek to: i) Honor dignity of body; ii) Assist bereaved through process using laws of the whole mourning ritual; iii) Affirm basic belief that life and death are part of God’s plan. Burial takes place twenty-four to forty-eight hours after death—body must not be left unattended from death until burial. Family receives visitors and food gifts during seven-day Shiva. Thirty days special withdrawal with one year official mourning. Special services of remembrance after death and at unveiling of tombstone.
SIKHISM	Philosophy is combination of Islam—one God and the basic ethical beliefs—plus Hinduism’s world views. Common God for all mankind and preach religious tolerance.	Five traditional symbols which could cause distress if removed from dying person: i) Kesh—long uncut hair of face and head. ii) Kanga—hair comb (symbol of discipline). iii) Kard—steel bangle on wrist (strength and unity). iv) Kirpan—sword, worn as brooch (authority and justice). v) Kachha—special shorts (spiritual freedom). Cremation with cremated remains scattered on water. Staff may prepare body. Mourning services last ten days and final service marks end of official mourning.
CHRISTIANITY Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox	Founded on teachings of Jesus Christ. World and everything that exists was created and depends on God. Belief in afterlife and soul integral to faith.	After death there is a two to three day visitation to home (funeral home) or prior to funeral. Funeral/memorial service to celebrate life of deceased and departure of soul to afterlife. Burial or cremation after funeral service.