PURPOSE: To explore the meaning of prayer in Korean patients with end-stage cancer who profess Christianity or Buddhism, given the significant differences between these religions. METHODS: The Colaizzi (1978) analysis method was employed. In-depth interview were performed with 13 participants (seven Christians and six Buddhists) who were admitted to a University-affiliated hospital in Korea. RESULTS: The six categories emerged: 1) communication with God, 2) mind discipline, 3) spiritual growth, 4) mysterious experiences, 5) perception of death and after-life, and 6) various forms of prayers. CONCLUSION: The participants' prayer experiences were described in a religious context. Christians believed that prayer is communication with God while Buddhists regarded it as disciplining of minds. Despite some differences between the religious groups, a general meaning of prayer was a desperate desire to solve their health issues by relying on God or someone who is more powerful than themselves. They also experienced personal and spiritual growth through prayer. This study explains the phenomenon of prayer experiences and shows that prayer is an important coping mechanism.
Buddhism ; Christianity ; Faith Healing ; Humans ; Korea ; Methods ; Religion*

Nearly nothing is known of medicine in ancient Korea due to insufficient materials. With several extant prescriptions and esoteric methods of treating diseases alone, it is impossible to gauge in depth the management of medicine during this period. If one exception were to be cited, that would be the fact that the annotations for understanding the contents on Indian medicine in the “Chapter on Eliminating Disease” in the Sutra of Golden Light, a Buddhist sutra originating from India, reflected the medical knowledge of Buddhist monks from Silla (新羅, 57 BC-935 AD) who were active immediately after the nation's unification of the two other kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula (668 AD) such as Wonhyo (元曉, 617-686 AD), Gyeongheung (憬興, 620?-700? AD), and Seungjang (勝莊, 684-? AD). Along with those by other monks, these annotations are collected in the Mysterious Pivot of the Sutra of Golden Light (金光明經最勝王經玄樞), which was compiled by Gangyō(願曉, 835-871 AD), a Japanese monk from the Heian era (平安, 794-1185 AD). Representative versions of the “Chapter on Eliminating Disease” in the Sutra of Golden Light include: a classical Chinese translation by the Indian monk Dharmakṣema (曇無讖, 385-433 AD); the eight-volume edition by Chinese monk Baogui (寶貴), which differs little from the preceding work in terms of the contents of the “Chapter on Eliminating Disease”; and the ten-volume edition by Yijing (義淨, 635-713 AD), who had full-fledged knowledge of Indian medicine. When the contents of the annotations thus collected are examined, it seems that Wonhyo had not been aware of the existence of the ten-volume edition, and Gyeongheung and Seungjang most certainly used the ten-volume edition in their annotations as well. Especially noteworthy are Wonhyo's annotations on the Indian medical knowledge found in the “Chapter on Eliminating Disease” in the Sutra of Golden Light. Here, he made a bold attempt to link and understand consistently even discussions on Indian and Buddhist medicine on the basis of the traditional East Asian medical theory centering on the yin-yang (陰陽) and five phases (五行, wuxing). In accordance with East Asia's theory of the seasonal five phases, Wonhyo sought to explain aspects of Indian medicine, e.g., changes in the four great elements (四大, catvāri mahā-bhūtāni) of earth, water, fire, and wind according to seasonal factors and their effect on the internal organs; patterns of diseases such as wind (vāta)-induced disease, bile (pitta)-induced disease, phlegm (śleṣman)-induced disease, and a combination (saṃnipāta) of these three types of diseases; pathogenesis due to the indigestion of food, as pathological mechanisms centering on the theory of the mutual overcoming (相克, xiangke) of the five phases including the five viscera (五藏, wuzang), five flavors (五味, wuwei), and five colors (五色, wuse). They existed in the text contents on Indian medicine, which could not be explicated well with the existing medical knowledge based on the theory of the five phases. Consequently, he boldly modified the theory of the five phases in his own way for such passages, thus attempting a reconciliation, or harmonization of disputes (和諍, hwajaeng), of the two medical systems. Such an attempt was even bolder than those by earlier annotators, and Wonhyo's annotations came to be accepted by later annotators as one persuasive explanation as well. In the case of Gyeongheung and Seungjang, who obtained and examined the ten-volume edition, a new classical Chinese translation produced following Wonhyo's death, annotated the “Chapter on Eliminating Disease” based on their outstanding proficiency in Sanskrit and knowledge of new Indian and Buddhist medicine. This fact signifies that knowledge of the eight arts (八術) of Ayurvedic medicine in India was introduced into Silla around the early 8th century. The medical knowledge of Wonhyo, Gyeongheung, and Seungjang demonstrates that intellectual circles in contemporary Silla were arenas in which not only traditional East Asian medicine as represented by works such as the Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor (黃帝內經, Huangdi Neijing) but also Indian medicine of Buddhism coexisted in almost real time.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Bile ; Buddhism ; Dissent and Disputes ; Dyspepsia ; Fires ; History of Medicine* ; Humans ; India ; Korea* ; Medicine, Ayurvedic ; Medicine, East Asian Traditional ; Monks ; Prescriptions ; Seasons ; Viscera ; Water ; Wind ; Yin-Yang

PURPOSE: This study was aimed at analyzing the characteristics and symptoms in home-based hospice-palliative care (HBHPC) patients registered at local public health centers. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed; Data of 144 HBHPC patients registered at six public health centers in Pusan City were analyzed, including their initial visit records (registration cards, initial pain evaluation and symptom evaluation). RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 67.7 years old. Among all, 46.2% of the patient lived alone, and 65% had middle school education or lower. The most popular (36.3%) religion was Buddhism, and 47.5% received medical assistance from the government. The most frequent diagnosis was lung cancer followed by stomach cancer and liver cancer in that order. Of all, 48.9% were functionally too weak to lead a daily life, 39.6% were under cancer treatment when registered at the public health center, and 84.5% were aware of the fact that they have reached the terminal phase. Moreover, 83.6% complained about pain, and the pain level was moderate or severe in 36.5% of them. Besides pain, fatigue was the most complained symptom (84.7%), and 49.3% of them rated their fatigue as moderate or severe. CONCLUSION: Most of the HBHPC patients were socio-economically underprivileged and complained about moderate or worse pain and symptoms. Therefore, it appears necessary to develop an integrated strategy that is tailored for each patient reflecting their characteristics.
Buddhism ; Busan ; Diagnosis ; Education ; Fatigue ; Home Care Services ; Hospice Care ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; Lung Neoplasms ; Medical Assistance ; Public Health* ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms

Recent developments in medicine in our society have drawn attention to various phenomena related to death, such as brain death, cardiac death, vegetative death, euthanasia, death with dignity, near-death experiences, hospice, and suicide. The definition and conception of death is significant because its reductionist determination may bring about a denial or taboo of death and a certain limitation on the modes of life and death. As religious traditions like Christianity and Buddhism and life and death studies show, human death cannot and should not be explained by physical and biological criterion of death like brain death or cardiac death alone. In a society with such a reductionist definition of death there can be no space for a mature culture of death and only a colossal number of miserable deaths like suicide. Therefore, as Kubler Ross argues, death should be defined in terms of considering the continued existence of certain realities as to psyche, spirit, and the meaning of life beyond physical and biological aspects. The medical and legal approach to death is greatly incomplete and restricted in taking into account the physical and biological aspect of death. Thus, it is necessary to precisely and deeply reconsider the definition and understanding of death from a broader and more comprehensive perspective rather than concentrating solely on the physical and biological criterion of death such as brain death or cardiac death.
Brain Death ; Buddhism ; Christianity ; Death ; Denial (Psychology) ; Euthanasia ; Fertilization ; Hospices ; Humans ; Right to Die ; Spirituality ; Suicide ; Taboo ; Thanatology

Multicultural scholarship in sport and exercise psychology should help us understand and apply cultural competencies for all to be physically active. In the present study, two Asian countries, Japan and Singapore, were chosen. The participation rate for physical activities among adolescent girls tends to be lower than that of boys in both countries. Thus, the purpose of the project was to gain knowledge and understanding about sociocultural factors that may explain adolescent girls' perceptions and behaviors toward sport, physical activity, and physical education (PE). A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with focus groups was used to understand meanings of physical activity among Buddhist Japanese, and Hindu Indians and Christian Chinese from Singapore. Each focus group consisted of four or five girls and female researchers. Based on the analysis, we created four themes which were "cultural identities," "Asian girls and sport/physical activities," "PE experiences," "motivation for future involvement." The Buddhist Japanese, Hindu Indian, and Christian Chinese participants each reported unique physical activity experiences, and all the participants were aware of how Asian culture may affect being physically active. Experiences of PE classes were similar but perceptions of their PE attire were different for Christian Chinese and Hindu Indian adolescent girls. Based on the results, the importance of nurturing cultural competencies and ways to encourage girls to be physically active throughout life were discussed.
Adolescent ; Adolescent Behavior ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Buddhism ; Christianity ; Cultural Competency ; Cultural Diversity ; *Exercise ; Female ; Hinduism ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Motivation ; *Motor Activity ; *Physical Education and Training ; Questionnaires ; *Sports

Koreans' traditional view on death has been much influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and shamanism since ancient times. Confucianism emphasizes the importance of the real life in this world and highly praises doing good deeds for the family and the community. It also praises people who are enlightened by education and self-discipline. Confucian scholars admit that death cannot be understood by rational thinking although it is unavoidable as a cosmic order. Taoism sees life as the same entity as death; Both are two different aspects of the same cosmos or the wholeness. However, the disciples of Taoism became much interested in a long life and well being that may be achieved by harmonizing with the cosmic order. Buddhism thinks that death and life are an "illusion". It says that people can be enlightened by recognizing the fact that "Nothing is born and nothing is dying in this world. Everything is the product of your mind occupied with false belief." However, secular Buddhists believe in the afterlife and metempsychosis of the soul. This belief is sometimes connected with the view of the traditional shamanism. Shamanism dichotomizes the world between "this world" and "that world". After death, the person's soul travels to "that world", where it may influence life of people who reside in "this world". And shamans who are spiritual beings living in "this world" mediate souls and living people. In conclusion, there are various views and beliefs regarding death, which are influenced by a number of religions and philosophies. They should be seriously considered when making a medical decision regarding the end of patients' life.
Buddhism ; Confucianism ; Humans ; Philosophy ; Religious Philosophies ; Republic of Korea ; Shamanism ; Thinking

PURPOSE: This study was done to investigate nurses' awareness of death and the meaning of life and identify factors influencing the meaning of life. METHODS: Participants were 198 women nurses who had experienced the death of patients. They answered a self-administered questionnaire including demographics, awareness of death scale and meaning in life II scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe test, and multiple regression (enter method). RESULTS: The average score for awareness of death was 127.3+/-10.14. This score is moderate not biased toward positive or negative. The average score for meaning of life was 130.3+/-9.42 with 51% for loss steps, 45.5% for pursuit steps and 3.5% for discovery steps to the meaning of life. Factors affecting the meaning of life were religion, Buddhism (beta=6.25, p=.015) or Atheist (beta=5.91, p=.017), educational level, Master's or higher (beta=16.22, p=.003), work department, special department (beta=3.49, p=.017). CONCLUSIONS: Results of the study indicate a need to provide nursing programs that will promote nurses' spiritual and inner maturity.
Bias (Epidemiology) ; Buddhism ; Demography ; Female ; Humans ; Methods ; Nursing ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Theory of Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM) is based on 'Yin-yang' and the 'Five elements' which are ancient chinese ideology for comprehending universe. TOM is also a kinds of ideological medicine, that contains confucian ideas, Buddhism, Taoism as progression of history and cultural trend. Ideological TOM explains physiologic and pathologic condition by 'Maintaining and Disruption of Balance' like Hippocrates, Galen, Ayurvedic medicine. The holy principle of comprehending TOM can be expressed as "To practice medicine based on ideological intuition". In western society original western ideological medicine was died out in the course of scientific revolution. But ancient and medieval oriental medicine is still in existence as a strong medical power in Korea. Recently, with the trend of academic integration, there was an attempt to find affirmative components of TOM. However, the theory of TOM is so different from any criteria for modern knowledge of science and seems to be incommensurable with modern evidence based medicine. As we know, science is the knowledge that could progress cumulatively unswayed by paradigm. To integrate TOM and modern scientific medicine, first of all, the theory of TOM must be made as a precise knowledge through strict ontological and epistemological study. The precise knowledge met clear study requirements will be integrated spontaneously, and Only that has the right to join competition for developing practical technical development. In this knowledge society, the survival and integration of TOM will not only achieved by ideological slogan but also emotional sympathy anymore.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Buddhism ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; Humans ; Integrative Medicine ; Korea ; Medicine, Ayurvedic ; Medicine, East Asian Traditional ; Religious Philosophies ; Yin-Yang

BACKGROUNDThe prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Chinese ethnic minorities is an important component of China's AIDS issues. In this study, we launched an intervention programme in Yunnan Province of China, where the Dai people live, to carry out the community-based HIV/AIDS health education and behavioral interventions on ordinary Dai farmers. The Dai people believe in Theravada Buddhism.

METHODSFour rural communities were randomly divided into two groups. In one group (Buddhist group), HIV/AIDS health education and behavioral intervention were carried out by monks. The other group (women group) was instructed by women volunteers. The intervention continued for one year and the data were collected before and after the intervention project.

RESULTSIn the Buddhist group, the villagers' AIDS related knowledge score was boosted from 3.11 to 3.65 (P < 0.001), and some indices of the villagers' behavior using condoms improved after the intervention. But this improvement was poorer than that in the women group. In the Buddhist group, the villager's attitude score towards the people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) also increased significantly from 1.51 to 2.16 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONThe results suggested that the Buddhist organization has limited success in promoting the use of condoms, but plays an important role in eliminating HIV/AIDS related discrimination.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; prevention & control ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Buddhism ; China ; Condoms ; Female ; HIV Infections ; prevention & control ; Health Education ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: This correlational study was to examine the relationships between dementia knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and preventive behavior of low income middled-aged women. METHODS: The subjects for this study were 125 low income middle aged women living in I city. The data were collected using the questionnaires for dementia knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and preventive behavior. The data analysis was done by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson product moment correlation and stepwise multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean of dementia knowledge was 13.96 out of 20, attitude was 43.98 out of 60, self-efficacy was 54.07 out of 75 and preventive behavior was 25.98 out of 36. The positive correlations were revealed between dementia knowledge (r=.458, p=.000), attitude (r=.498, p=.000), self-efficacy (r=.573, p=.000) and preventive behavior. The influencing factors for dementia preventive behavior were self-efficacy, belief in Buddhism and attitude which accounted for 42.5% of the total variance. CONCLUSION: Dementia knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy were identified as variables that correlate dementia preventive behavior. Also, self-efficacy is the most influential factor affecting dementia preventive behavior. On the basis of these results, it is necessary for nurses to consider using dementia knowledge and mode of efficacy expectation in order to improve dementia preventive behavior.
Buddhism ; Dementia ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Statistics as Topic ; Surveys and Questionnaires