Suicide in Ancient Hindu Scriptures: Condemned or Glorified?

Abstract

What is the position of the ancient Hindu scriptures on suicide and attempted suicide? Are these human processes condemned? If yes, do the scriptures explain why and how? If they are not condemned, do these scriptures approve or glorify suicidal behaviour? Is there adequate consistency among the various ancient scriptures on recommended attitudes towards suicide and attempted suicide? The Prasthanatrayi, or literally, the three points of departure are the Upanishad texts, the Brahma Sutra text and the Bhagavad Gita text. All other scriptures of India admit the authority of these three texts. Among these three, the Upanishads are accepted as being the highest, being a part of Shruti, or literally, heard scriptures as the Smriti, or literally memory, is the product of the human mind. This chapter reviews the ten principal Upanishads and the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, which has the status of an Upanishad. In addition, the Brahma Sutra and the Yoga Sutra texts will also be reviewed. The commentaries of Adi Shankaracharya on the first twelve texts will be used to understand the positions of these texts on suicidal behaviour correctly. The Yoga Sutra, a text elucidating the practical aspects of Vedanta, was not commented upon by Adi Shankaracharya but has an ancient commentary by Maharishi Vyasa himself, which will be used in this chapter. The chapter examines the relevance of the position of these texts on suicidal behaviour to modern Indian culture and laws, spanning several thousands of years.