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Putting an end to life by the process of Samlakhana is something subtle, noble and divine. To call it a suicide is to exhibit ignorance of basic principles.
(Ref: Pg 196) Q43. What is the proof of the existence of Atman? A43. No religion on earth has denied the existence of Atman or Soul, except perhaps the following of the Charwakas. Jains call it Jiva when it is found in body. Jiva becomes Siddha (parmatman) when it permanently leaves body and attains a state where no further birth and death is necessary. The belief of the Hindus and the Buddhists is the same. Even Christians, Jews and Muslims believe in soul's existence and according to them every dead person will rise from his grave to answer for his good and bad deeds. Proof of the existence of the Jiva is the proof of the death itself. When a person dies, the only difference is the want of Jiva in the body.
It was Gandhara Gautam who wanted to know from the Lord Mahavira the proof of Atman's existence. The Master solved his anxiety by posing various questions. Who is it, the master asked, "who raises doubts about Soul's existence"? "Who is it who retains consciousness even during the sleep"? “Who retains l'consciousness in the past, present, and future events" Such and other questions led to the answers which convinced Gautam about the existence of the Soul. (Ref: pg 62 - 70) Q44. Describe incidents in Mahavira's life with reference to Jain doctrines. A44. 1. Mahavira did not take sanyas till he was permitted by elders. Mother resented the idea. After her death even elder brother adopted the same attitude. So, he continued, but lived in 'Sansar' with the detachment of a yogi. Relatives saw that it was of no use preventing him further and permitted sanyas when he was 30 years old.
This shows his real love and respect for the feelings of elders and near relatives without the tie of 'attachment' because even while living with them as a house holder he could live as an unattached Yogi which convinced his relatives that it would serve no purpose to detain him because even while residing in the palace he lived as a Sanyasi. Jain doctrines recognize that even a house-holder can discharge his functions without attachment.
2. After he took Sanyas a poor Brahmin begged from him a portion of his only valuable garment which he had wrapped around his body. When the remaining portion got entangled in a thorny bush, he did not turn back to recover it. That Brahmin took away even the remaining entangled portion. Mahavira who was rendered “Digambara" had shed all attachments including the attachment for his body - the most difficult thing to achieve.
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