ABSTRACT
Hindu teachings place great importance on the state of mind at death, as a main determinant of the soul’s destination, either in taking another body or in achieving fi nal liberation. According to the Bhagavad-Gita, ‘One’s thoughts during the course of one’s life accumulate to infl uence one’s thoughts at the moment of death.’4 The preparations in the period leading up to death are para mount to Hindus, since they have a signifi cant infl uence on the mind’s state at death. This, in turn, infl uences the next chapter of life for the soul. For
these reasons, many middle-aged and elderly Hindus gradually retire from active life and take their spiritual practices more seriously. During terminal illness, healthcare professionals can help patients achieve solace and avoid unnecessary distress by being aware and accommodating of certain beliefs and customs.
