Buddhist Views on suicide, euthanasia, abortion, cloning, prolonging life and self immolation

[BrianRuhe]

Yes, that is true. It was because he was an arahant and all his work was done so he faced no rebirth so it was OK for him to commit suicide.

[BrianRuhe]

Thanks Lama Kunga Choedak,

Yes, I know that sutta. I deliberately did not discuss it because I didn't want people to misinterpret that, as saying that it's OK to commit suicide. But now that you brought it up, because the monk was a fully enlightened arahant and his body was dying and not of any use to help others, the Buddha said it would be alright if he "took the knife," since his spiritual work was already done. But for all of us unenlightened people, Buddhism totally rejects suicide.

[LamaKungaChoedak]

i wish i could had been in yr group to bring up a point for discussion on suicide... it is in then pali cannon a sutra where gotama allowed an arhant to commit suicide without "blame" and explained why it would not lead to any negative karma....