Traverses on Less Trodden Path of Indian Philosophy and Religion

Author(s): Yajneshwar S Shastri
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 170

PLACE OF SUICIDE IN INDIAN CULTURE AND RELIGIONS
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Indian Philosophical point of view, suicide or atmaghata is not possible in the real sense of the term. Atman or self is indestructible because it is unborn, uncaused, it has neither beginning nor an end. Bhagavadgitā clearly states that, self cannot be killed either by any weapon or water or wind or fire. Killing or destruction is possible only in the cause of those things which are produced by causes and conditions. Atman is beyond causation. Atmaghata or Atmahanana is used mainly to denote destruction of the body. Some times, the word Atmaha, is used in the philosophical writings to indicate a person who does not try to realise one's own Atman after acquiring this precious human body. The destruction of body or suicide, according to one's own sweet will or suicide on account of cause is condenmed in philosophical texts. Isävasyopaniṣat clearly warns that one, who commits suicide, can never see the light of knowledge. He reaches after death, the sunless, lightless regions covered by impenetrable darkness. His fate is to remain in the world of ignorance. 5 The reason behind such kind of opposition to suicide is that according to Indian tradition (except Carvaka) highest aim of life is realization of one's own self (ätmānam viddhi) which is pure bliss, untouched by worldly pain and pleasure. This is highest state which is called freedom, Mokṣa or Nirvana. Body is the means to achieve this highest goal of life. If this body is destroyed, how can one achieve this goal? Destroying one's body means harming one's own achievement. Therefore, Indian Philosophy
1. Na jāyate mriyate vā vipaścinnāyan kutaścinna babhüva kascit. Ajo nityaḥ śāśvatoyam purano na hanyate hanyamane sarire.-Kathopaniṣat, II-18. Isadidaṣopaniṣad. Pub. Motilal Banarassidas, New Delhi-1978.
(b) Bhagavadgita-II-20. Gita press, Gorakhpur-1969.
2. Nainam chindanti sastrani nainam dahati pavakaḥ. Na cainam kledayantyapo no soşayati marutaḥ--Bhagvadgitä-II-23-63.
3. Hanyamane sarire-Ibid-11-20. also Katha. p. II-18.
4. Vivekacādāmaṇi of Śankarācārya-4, works of Sankarācārya, vol. XIV, Pub.
Press, Srirangam.
5. I savāsyopani sat-3.
6. Priyapriye na sprṣataḥ.
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Vanivilas