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ASCO Educational Book; 2009
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Opportunities and Challenges in Dealing with Patients from Different Religious Traditions –Hindu Perspective

Uma V. Mysorekar, MD, FACOG

From the Hindu Temple Society of North America

Authors’ disclosures of potential conflicts of interest are found at the end of this article.

Address reprint requests to Uma V. Mysorekar, MD, FACOG, President, The Hindu Temple Society of North America, 45-57 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11355; e-mail: nytemple{at}aol.com

Overview: Hindu religion affects every aspect of life for Hindus from birth throughout their lives. One of the principles of Hinduism is the Law of Karma. Karma means not only action but also the result of an action. It denotes an action that brings back results in this life or future lives. Prayer for health is a highly prevalent practice among Hindus. Patients who use prayers for health concerns report a high level of perceived helpfulness, but they rarely discuss the use of prayer with their physicians. The spiritual leader by the side of the patient must make every effort to allay fear. Among the four main disciplines of yoga, as narrated in the great epic Bhagavad Gita, Karma yoga (or the yoga of action) teaches that work performed in the spirit of service to God and for the welfare of mankind leads to salvation (moksha) of the individual self. Good actions are those that are performed for the welfare of others, without desire for the fruits (rewards) thereof. Faith and spirituality are true assets for all human beings and especially for those suffering and those caring for the sick. Nothing in life is more wonderful than faith. Humility and compassion should be fundamental requirements of a physician.