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Hinduism: Matters of Life and Death

Hindu attitudes to euthanasia

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 1

Overview

Active and passive euthanasia, leaving the time of death to God, Bhagavad Gita 7.26 to 7.30, the state of mind at death, prayopavesa, Gandhi and the suffering calf in 1928, and Kashi Labh Mukti Bhawan.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is euthanasia, and why is it controversial for Hindus?

Key term

What is the difference between active and passive euthanasia in Hindu debates?

Key term

Why do many Hindus oppose euthanasia?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is euthanasia, and why is it controversial for Hindus?

    Model answer

    Euthanasia is the deliberate ending of a life to relieve suffering, sometimes called mercy killing. Hindus must weigh ahimsa and karma in judging it.

  2. 2

    What is the difference between active and passive euthanasia in Hindu debates?

    Model answer

    Active euthanasia is taking deliberate steps to end a life, such as a lethal injection. Passive euthanasia is withdrawing or withholding treatment so the patient dies.

  3. 3

    Why do many Hindus oppose euthanasia?

    Model answer

    Euthanasia breaks ahimsa and ends life before its karma is worked out. The atman may then face a troubled rebirth.

  4. 4

    Why do many Hindus believe the time of death should be left to God?

    Model answer

    Hindus believe God knows past, present and future and the proper time for each death. A chosen death interferes with that order.

  5. 5

    What does Bhagavad Gita 7.26 teach that is relevant to euthanasia?

    Model answer

    Krishna says he knows all beings past, present and future, though no one knows him. Many Hindus take this to mean that only God knows when a life should end.

  6. 6

    How do Hindus use Bhagavad Gita 7.29–30 in the euthanasia debate?

    Model answer

    The verses praise those who seek freedom from old age and death by taking refuge in Krishna. Release comes through devotion and remembering God at death, not by ending life early.

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