Sallekhana is Not Suicide

SR No.: 001568
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T K Tukol
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1976
Total Pages: 124
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Religion
File Size: 8 MB

Page 83

Suicide
cāņdala. For such murders as above, neither cremation rites nor any obsequies, usually performed by the relatives shall be observed."1
“Sociologists have put forward numerous explanations in their suicide-notes, but they are anything but reliable, as they are rationalizations covering up powerful impulses. Abnormal grief accruing from the loss of a loved one, mutual jealousy, mental difficulties, infidelity, desertion, family discord, pride, remorse and shame are all symptoms of difficulty in personal adjustment. The forces of fear and anxiety, feelings of inferiority, hatred, aggressiveness, revenge, guilt and other mental disorders are such that they prevent people from attaining emotional maturity. This emotion immaturity has probably been the most powerful factor compelling a man choose suicide as the only solution to seemingly insurmountable difficulties."
Human nature being the same everywhere, the causes of suicide have been universally identical all over the world. Modern civilization has placed more refined and secretive means at the disposal of the community for commitment of suicide. Sleeping tablets and poisons have become more easily accessible. There are now greater numbers of cases of unbearable emotional stresses and strains than before. There are more opportunities today for a life of ease, luxury and lust. Promiscuity and permissiveness are new factors of disruption and frustration. Night clubs, cinemas, cabarets, drink. ing parties and such other shows, where normal life of satisfaction and contentment becomes impossible, lead to unhappy family life. Frequent repetitions of situations which bring about feelings of disappointment, depression, mental and emotional conflicts irresistably drive the victim to the horrible step of suicide.
Emile Durkheim says that the term suicide is applied “ to all cases of death resulting directly or indirectly from a posi
1. Arthasastra of Kautilya by Shama Satry, Chap. VII, p. 248. 2. History of Suicide in India by Upendra Thakur, p. 19.