Are suicide and atmahatya same? As per Sanatan Dharm, atma never dies or takes birth. It is eternal. Atma hatya means killing of atma which can not happen as atma is ajar amar.
Suicide is an act or instance of ending one's own life voluntarily and intentionally.
Suicide instances are seen in all countries and communities.
Suicide is no longer considered a crime in the United States; however, some states have attempted suicide listed as a crime in their criminal statutes.
As per Wikipedia:
Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code criminalized attempted suicide as well as suicide assistance.
Section 309 stated:
Whoever attempts to commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offense, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year with a fine, or with both.
Although Section 309 was still in effect, the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (enacted in July 2018) has restricted its application. The relevant provision of the new act states:
Notwithstanding anything contained in section 309 of the Indian Penal Code, any person who attempts to commit suicide shall be presumed, unless proved otherwise, to have severe stress and shall not be tried and punished under the said Code.
The Indian Penal Code was replace by Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which came into effect on July 1, 2024. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita does not include an equivalent clause to Section 309 that criminalized attempted suicide in India, hereby attempted suicide was officially decriminalised in India through the introduction of BNS.
Abrahmic religions believe that there is only one life and it is given by God and no one has the right to take it away. So, suicide is a sin.
Types of suicide:
Passive and active. Passive suicide is having thoughts about suicide but there is no desire or plan.
Completed and attempted suicide.
Santhara or Sallekhana pratha-Fast unto death संथारा वितरागता की प्रकाष्ठा है, santara is conciously dying. Purpose is self purification.
This is also practiced by some who have terminal illness.
Yogis have done deh tyag when they wanted e.g. Bhishm. When they feel like the purpose of their life has been fulfilled. Ram took Jal Samadhi. This life is not the only life. Rebirth happens until we attain Moksha.
Reasons for suicide:
- Religious e.g. Delhi Burari case of family suicide.
- Cultural- Sati pratha, johar
- To relieve the suffering of others by self-suicide or helping them to commit suicide e.g. Macchis movie.
- To relieve self-suffering
- To kill/harm others e.g. suicide bombs
- Forced suicide-Compelling others to commit suicide. If someone instigates suicide- Pratarit karma.
- To prevent capture by enemies or torture
- Inability to achieve something e.g. love ( Movies- Ek dooje ke liye, Quamat se Quamat tak, Noorie)
- Depression, social isolation
- Feeling like a failure in life
- Inability to pay debt, bankruptcy
- Self loathing or feeling of betrayal e.g. after rape
Some questions:
Is suicide a type of violence against the body?
Is the practice of yog leading to Samadhi a type of slow suicide?
Is following some traditions like fasting unto death a type of suicide assistance?
Is not taking care of oneself physically, mentally, and spiritually a type of suicide assistance? Does consuming alcohol, addictive drugs, and becoming obese count towards self-destruction?
Is living in hazardous conditions or environment an invitation to suicide?
Is opting for euthanasia or palliative care a kind of suicide?
Abhimanyu going in chakravyuh without knowing the exit- is this suicide?
Jehovah's witnesses going for major surgeries and refusing blood transfusion- is this a suicide?
Sacrificing life for the country- this is bravery, courage, or suicide?
If a person commits suicide and leaves his dependents unsupported- should it be a crime?