The Soul of Medicine: Spiritual Perspectives and Clinical Practice

4. Hinduism

CHAPTER FOUR Hinduism Gowri Anandarajah, M.D. Hinduism is as much a philosophy and a way of life as a religion. As such, it has a tremendous impact on the way millions of people worldwide view health, wellness, and science. It is the oldest living religion, dating back 10,000 years, according to astronomical verification of dates of events in scripture (Pandit 1993). There is no single founder of Hinduism; rather, it is inspired by divine revelation and is the product of the accumulated wisdom of the ancient sages and seers (rishis) of India, as well as that of the many saints who have come after them. The primary scriptures of Hinduism are the Vedas, which are said to have been revealed to the ancient rishis during deep meditation. These divine songs were transmitted orally for thousands of years and finally compiled into the four Vedas. The real name for Hinduism is Sanatana Dharma, which roughly translated means “Eternal or Universal Righteousness.” This name, plus its ancient origins , provides an important clue to the role this religion plays in the daily lives of Hindus. The significance of everyday events and action is interpreted within a framework that attempts to be universal in its scope and eternal in its time 60 Major Traditions and Medicine frame. Hinduism is a living, breathing religion that tries to make sense of apparent opposites and to provide guidance through the complexities of life. Thus, modern Hindus routinely try to bridge the distance between opposites: ancient versus modern, unity versus diversity, personal versus transpersonal, free will versus determinism. This becomes especially apparent when dealing with the issues surrounding suffering, illness, and death that we encounter daily in the practice of medicine. As with any great world religion, whole textbooks are devoted to the subject of Hinduism. Also, as with other religions, numerous schools of thought, scriptures, and scholarly debates are to be found in the literature. It is beyond the scope of this chapter to do justice to the complexity that Hinduism encompasses . Rather, this chapter will outline some of the common concepts found in Hindu (Vedic) philosophy from the perspective of a Hindu physician with no formal training as a Vedic scholar but with strong academic interest in the subject of spirituality and medicine. I hope that this introduction provides a starting place from which physicians and other health care professionals can gain a better understanding of the role of Hinduism in the lives of patients and of professionals. Basic Concepts of Hinduism Aum, the Eternal Sound Aum. This eternal Word is all: what was, what is and what shall be, and what beyond is in eternity. All is Aum. manduka upanishad (mascaro 1965, p. 83) When people think of a Hindu, they often picture a thin, scantily dressed, cross-legged guru, sitting on the top of a mountain chanting “Aum.” Although this stereotype is simplistic at best, many Hindus would argue that Aum (or Om) is the beginning, middle, and end of Hinduism. Thus, it is fitting to begin any discussion of Hinduism with an understanding of Aum. Aum is “God in sound,” “the vibrational energy of the universe.” It is said that at the creation of the universe, the first creation was the sound (or word) “Aum.” With this vibrational energy, the whole of creation came into being, and to this day Aum pervades every aspect of the universe. When we chant “Aum,” we attune ourselves to the rest of the universe and to God. Be- Hinduism 61 cause of this, Aum is the most powerful and most ancient mantra or prayer in Hinduism. The Nature of God Hindus believe in the existence of God. God is described as the “One Supreme Absolute” and beyond the comprehension of the human mind (which evolved for survival in the physical world). The name for this supreme reality is Brahman, whose chief attributes are Sat (infinite being), Chit (infinite awareness), and Ananda (infinite bliss). Other attributes include Pure Divine Love, Energy of the Universe, Absolute Truth, Absolute Peace, and so on. God is perceived as being everywhere and in all things. If the universe and all beings are like fish in water, then God is like the water, above, below , inside, and outside. God is also thought of as encompassing all apparent opposites—formless and in all forms, male and female, manifest and unmanifest. Hinduism acknowledges that it is difficult for most people to...