ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the idea of culture, particularly its influence upon and relationship to spirituality and religion and views of health and illness. It provides discussion with the Buddhist tale of Kisagotami, the mother whose infant son died from a disease. Kisagotami became in the family way, and when the 10 months were completed, gave birth to a son. There are many ways to think about culture, ranging from general views to those more narrow and specific. By “culture,” people often mean geographical, regional, or national boundaries – for example, Scandinavian, Asian, Canadian, German, or Turkish cultures. It is certain that people cannot escape culture. It is ubiquitous. It influences individuals without their even being aware of its power. The National Center for Cultural Competences definition no doubt captures the complexity of culture, which comprises mental, linguistic, symbolic, behavioral, ideological, normative, ritual, historical, temporal, and affective elements.
