Hindu Views on Death and Dying

Hindus believe in the concept of many reincarnations. The ultimate goal is to unite with the Supreme Being, Brahman. They also belief in Karma, and tend to be fatalistic. The general belief is that one's present status and condition is a result of existence in the previous birth and is, therefore, deserved, be it good or bad. Being good in his present life may help him have a better life next time, but this will not alter his present situation.

The ultimate goal

The ultimate aim of the Hindu faith is to achieve Moksha. In other words they long for liberation from the vicious cycle of incarnations. The most important event in the life of a Hindu is, his/her death. Moksha can be achieved by following the four different ways. They are karma yoga, the path of action, Bhakti yoga the path of devotion,Gnana yoga, the path of knowledge and Raja Yoga a way of special postures, methods of breathing.

Views of death by Bhagavat Gita

The Bhagavad-Gita also describes two paths along which souls travel after death. One is in the path of the sun (bright path), and the other is the path of the moon (dark path)The souls that travel along the path of the sun never return again, while those, which travel along the path of the moon, return again.

Hinduism believes that every person is on a vision quest. But, at the time of the great departure (death), Mahaprasthana, a vision comes, in the form of a tunnel of light at the end of which live beings of divine nature. Hinduism believes that death is a blissful, transition from one state to another.

All this concepts of death remind us that life on earth is temporary. All our possessions, ego, power, and learning will all end. Once this truth is discovered then one can turn their mind towards God. Which according to Hinduism is life's ultimate goal, the path of dharma will take us there. This is done, but in assurance, faith and gratitude for the opportunity to progress spiritually in this physical incarnation.