Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism Health Care Provisions

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Buddhism and Healing

Buddhism focuses on the body as a shell, which houses the soul. In order for the soul and the
consciousness of a human being to reach its full capacity, the body must be treated with the utmost
respect. Buddhists believe that usually when an illness occurs, the body can be treated by using the
mind and sometimes with herbs. Some Buddhists believe that exposing the body to harsh elements
strengthens the immune system (Crane, 2010) . Those who follow this faith tend to view sickness as
a weakness or laziness of the mind. Therefore, healing teds to focus on strengthening the mind, through
meditation and quiet contemplation, which can help provide clarity and a oneness of mind and body.
Because Buddhists believe in reincarnation shortly after death, the handling of the body is especially
important. Buddhists often ask for medications and other care measures to be discontinued before
death, so that the mind is clear and the reincarnation process can occur. Buddhists also believe that
other interferences, such as autopsy, tend to interfere with the reincarnation process as well.

Because the mind or conscious is believed to be a critical pathway for healing, anything that
is viewed as an interference, such as constant monitoring in a hospital ICU or bright lights, will not be
suitable for Buddhists recovering from illness. As Buddhists believe in reincarnation, it may not be
as important for those of this faith to seek retribution in a legal forum, when a person of this faith is
fatally wounded. Buddhists will not see the value of an autopsy or medical testing, as those of other
faiths will. If a Buddhist moves on to another life or a different form, he or she is not really dead.

Hinduism and Healing
The ultimate goal in Hinduism is to free the soul from continual reincarnation. The amount of
suffering a person faces in the next lives is based on Karma, or the consequences of previous actions.
Illness is also thought to be caused by bad karma. Hindus use meditation and prayer to overcome
sickness, while also praying and asking for forgiveness to eating plants, which a soul can dwell in (Kemp,
nd). Hindus are typically strict vegetarians. Like Buddhists, they believe that a soul can be reincarnated
as another being and therefore, avoid consuming animal meats. Hindus can use individual prayer or
group chanting in seeking healing.

Hindus believe in a well defined caste system, with priests in the top or upper most caste.
Because karma is also believe to affect or ...