World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

Page 903

PLACE OF SUICIDE IN INDIAN CULTURE AND RELIGIONS
Prof. Dr. Yajneshwar S. Shastri Indian Philosophical point of view, suicide or atmaghāta is not possible in the real sense of the term. Ātman or self is indestructible because it is unborn, uncaused, it has neither beginning nor an end. Bhagavadgītā clearly stales that, self cannot be killed either by any weapon or water or wind or fire.2 Killing or destruction is possible only in the cause of those things which are produced by causes and conditions. Ātman is beyond causation. Atmaghāta 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 Ātman 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 condemned in philosophical texts. Isāvāsyopanisat 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 Cārvāka) highest aim of life is realization of one's own self (ātmānam viddhi) which is pure bliss, untouched by worldly pain and pleasure. This is highest state which is called freedom, Moksa 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 tells us that you are born here as human beings to attain this final goal of undivided Bliss and do not miss this opportunity killing one's own body. Life is not worthless but store-house of abundant energy. It should be utilized in right direction. It should not be wasted by destroying one's own body.
The word suicide is also understood in general sense which is comman to all civilizations of the world. It prevailed in India and other civilized countries since time immemorial. Almost all the ancient civilizations of the world such as Indian, Greek, Latin and others were familiar with this tragic act. It was also practised in China, Japan, Burma, Russia and other Asiatic countries. Human nature being the same everywhere, the causes of suicide have been almost identical all over the world. Most of the causes leading to suicide are, disappointment in love affair, jealousy, fear of punishment, shame or wounded pride, anger, extreme poverty, family unhappiness, feeling of inferiority, etc. It is seen that frequent repetitions of situations which bring about feelings of disappointment, depression, mental and emotional conflicts, irresistably drive the victim to the extreme step of suicide. It is normally a misfortune
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