Information on Other Religious Groups

Jainism
Jain philosophy arose in India and is distinctive from Buddhism and Hinduism, The universe is believed to have existed for all time and no Creator is seen as necessary. Each soul is eternal and the ultimate goal of existence is to gain release from a cycle of death and rebirth and achieve eternal rest in the highest heavens called nirvana.

Jainism is an ascetic philosophy, which sees the world as a place of sorrow, which can only be escaped by distancing oneself from the world through the Three Jewels, right knowledge, right faith and right conduct. The central vows, which assist in reaching the salvation of nirvana, are non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity and non-attachment to possessions and worldly goods.

Special Considerations

Please note it is essential to check with each patient/client about their individual requirements.
The Jain patient may want to pray with their Brahram.

Diet

Jains are vegetarians and some may prefer not to eat after sunset. Some Jains may refuse potatoes, garlic and onions.

Fasting

The most important time when a Jain may wish to fast is the Festival of Paryushana-Parva. On the last day, the Jain makes an effort to be reconciled to relatives and friends and may wish to fast.

Modesty
Females may wish a doctor of their own sex.

Blood Transfusions
No religious objections.

Donation of Organs
May be willing to both give and receive. Individuals will make their own decision.

Care of the Dying
The patient may wish to fast and may wish spiritual support from his or her own community. This can be problematic from a health perspective.

Last Offices
The family may provide a white gown or shroud for the dead person. They may also wish to be present and assist; this should be checked with the family.

Post Mortems
This tends to be seen as disrespectful to the body, but attitudes vary.

Funeral
Will be arranged by the Jain community.

Paganism
E.g. Wicca (witchcraft), Druids, Odinists

Beliefs

These tend to include:

'A respect for the Sanctity of Life'
'A respect of the Welfare of Children'
'A particular respect for Women'
'A feeling of closeness to and reverence for Nature'
'That Deity can be seen in terms of male and female'
'That Deity can be found and approached both within and without one's Self'
'Reincarnation'
'The need to work for good ends'

For many pagans, the position of a goddess as a major source of their inspiration is the most distinctive aspect of paganism.

Special Considerations
Please note it is essential to check with each patient/client about their individual requirements.

Generally no particular needs but Pagans may wish to have a small candle and simple holder or a small figure of a god and/or goddess.

Diet
Many are vegetarian or vegan and some may want to keep to a raw food diet.

Blood Transfusions
No religious objections.

Care of the Dying
It is important that Pagans have the name and telephone number of their Spiritual Adviser to attend them in the same way as other ministers/religious leaders. Pagans have a network of volunteer contacts for those wanting a Pagan approach.

Post Mortems and Organ Donation
No objections, they believe that they may help others in this way.

Scientology
The American L Ron Hubbard founded scientology in 1950. It describes itself as an 'applied religious philosophy' and rejects the idea that Man is simply a higher animal, and the materialism of modern society, which it believes to be destructive.

Scientologists describe a person's inner spiritual being as the 'thetan', the essence of a person. They consider that people are made up of the 'thetan', the mind, and the body and that a person can be helped to take control of themselves. The mind is seen as having two parts – the 'analytical' and the 'reactive'. The reactive part of the mind records everything even when we are unconscious and is 'charged' with energy in the memories it contains. Neutralising that energy allows people to be in control of themselves.

Scientologists are concerned with the whole of life and have advice for their followers on a whole range of problems.

Special Considerations
Please note it is essential to check with each patient/client about their individual requirements.

A Scientologist may well wish to see someone from the Church of Scientology to discuss his or her spiritual condition. They are unlikely to welcome the attention of psychologists or counsellors unless they are working alongside advisors from their own church.

Spiritualism
Spiritualism embodies the main ideas of all religions in that there is life after death, immortality, and the existence of God. The difference is that Spiritualism claims the ability through Medium-ship to prove there is life after death. The philosophy of Spiritualism is based on seven fundamental principles.

'The Fatherhood of God'
The Brotherhood of Man'
'The Communion of Saints and the Ministry of Angela'
'The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul'
'Personal Responsibility'
'Compensation and Retribution for all the Good and Evil Deeds done on Earth'
'Eternal Progress Open to every Soul'

Special Considerations
Please note it is essential to check with each patient/client about their individual requirements.

Spiritualists in institutions may request a Healer for treatment alongside medical treatment. This can be performed by the laying on of hands, accompanied by prayers of spiritual guidance.

Diet
There are no special dietary requirements.

Care of the Dying

Death to Spiritualists means the beginning of a new and fuller life and the certainty of eternal progress. They believe that those in the Spirit world will come and meet them and take them to their new home.

Last Offices
Routine last offices are appropriate.

Blood Transfusions, Post Mortems and Donation of Organs
No objections to blood transfusions, transplants or post mortems.

Zoroastrianism

A descendent of the old Indo-Iranian beliefs, the modern Zoroastrian faith has an emphasis on personal religion and choices. God is seen as the good Creator of all things physical and spiritual and has no responsibility for evil. Evil comes from the Destructive Spirit (Angra Mainyu) whose nature is destructive and violent. The world is the battleground for good and evil.

Zoroastrians believe in life beyond death, and judgement, which consigns a person to heaven or hell.

Special Considerations
Children are given sacred garments on initiation, a shirt (sadra) and girdle (kusti) which are worn at all times and must be treated with great respect. The girdle is tied and untied during the recital of daily prayers.

Zoroastrians have a very high standard of hygiene. Running water is preferred for washing but a fresh bowl of water is an acceptable alternative.

Diet
No particular restrictions though some may not eat pork or may prefer a vegetarian diet.

Blood Transfusions
Orthodox Zoroastrians may consider blood transfusion a pollution of the body.

Donation of Organs
Like transfusions these may be seen as a pollution of the body and the Orthodox followers may be unwilling to donate or receive.

Last Offices
The body should be washed before being placed in white clothing. The family may provide a special shirt to be worn under the clothing with the girdle. They may also wish for the head to be covered by a cap or scarf.

Post Mortems
Religious law forbids these and a Coroner's legal requirement is the only way a post-mortem is likely to be accepted.

Funeral
Burial and cremation are both acceptable, and are likely to be wanted without delay. The family may prepare the body but generally they instruct a funeral director.

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