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Published in:

01-12-2013 | Original Paper

The Health Behavior of Sri Lankan Buddhist Nuns with Type 2 Diabetes: Duty, Devotion, and Detachment

Authors: Sunny Wijesinghe, Cindy Mendelson

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 4/2013

Abstract

Sri Lanka has experienced an increase in the rate of type 2 diabetes. Selfmanagement of diabetes among Sri Lanka’s Buddhist nuns, who depend on food donations and limit physical activity in accord with the monastic code of conduct, presents unique challenges and has not been previously studied. The purpose of this focused ethnographic study of 10 Buddhist nuns was to understand how they managed their illness within the restrictions on diet and physical activity. Three themes—duty, devotion, and detachment—explained and described their health behavior regarding type 2 diabetes within the context of their daily routines and obligations.

The 10 precepts are vows to abstain from killing any living creatures; taking what is not given; unchaste conduct; false speech; taking intoxicants; eating after midday until the light of dawn; dancing, singing, and seeing entertainments; wearing garlands, perfumes, and cosmetics; using high and large beds; and abstaining from accepting money (Thera and Kassapa 2003).

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Title: The Health Behavior of Sri Lankan Buddhist Nuns with Type 2 Diabetes: Duty, Devotion, and Detachment
Authors: Sunny Wijesinghe
Cindy Mendelson
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-012-9592-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The Health Behavior of Sri Lankan Buddhist Nuns with Type 2 Diabetes: Duty, Devotion, and Detachment

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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