Spiritual Healing in Cancer Care

Abstract

Religious and cultural perspectives influence how patients cope with disease, view death and dying, and derive meaning and purpose in life. This chapter will familiarize palliative care providers with the various nuances of pain, suffering, and healing in Hinduism, one of the oldest and the third largest religions in the world. Hinduism can be described more as a way of life than as a single organized religion. Karma (consequences of action), dharma (righteous action), samsara (cycle of birth and rebirth), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth) are some of the fundamental concepts in Hinduism. Hindu traditions propagate acceptance of suffering as a consequence of karma in the current or past life. Current suffering is not random or a punishment, but a repayment of debt incurred for past negative behavior. Hindus believe that all things are manifestations of God, including pain and suffering, and are an essential part of life. Suffering is viewed as an opportunity to progress along the spiritual path. For a Hindu, dharma and moksha provide meaning and purpose in life; karma attributes a positive meaning to the suffering; pursuit of purusharthas (life goals) helps in maintaining connectedness to those around, rituals reestablish connectedness with the transcendent, while nonattachment helps in reconnecting with oneself, and the understanding of samsara promotes death acceptance. Despite being important areas of patients’ and caregivers’ lives, religion and spirituality are not often discussed in health care. This chapter attempts to acquaint health care providers with Hindu traditions and beliefs so that spiritual care harmonized to patient’s preferences can be provided.