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Buddhists/Buddhist view on deliberate termination of life

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Expert: - 9/28/2010


Question
Hi Justin Choo,

I was wondering about your question response to Daniel about your views on Euthanasia and stem cells and you said that you dont believe that buddhisst do not believe that someone should terminate their life on purpose. If this is true, what about the buddhist monk,Thich Quang Duc, who protested against the Vietnamn War by setting himself on fire? Does this mean that it is okay to deliberately terminate your life with reason, like whether you are in pain? Does this mean Euthanasia is okay when it is necessary? Or should buddhists not set an example after Duc?

I would love to hear your views,

Lisa  

Answer
Hi Lisa,

Thank you for reviewing my past answers.

What Buddha taught and what his followers did may not always be similar.  After all, the followers are mere mortals and may make mistakes or may misinterprete the Buddha's teachings.

In the case of the Vietnamese monk who took his own life, it is not in accordance with Buddhist teachings.  He might think his sacrifice was worth it, in the political sense.  

Euthanasia is a sensitive issue.  Each side has its "valied and humanitarian" arguments.  In the strict interpretation of Buddhist teachings, it is unwholesome to deliberately terminate a life.  My personal opinion is that it is a most difficult decision, without criticising either party.

Take care.

Justin Choo

Buddhists

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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