THE YOGIC END OF LIFE PHILOSOPHY - 'PRAYOPAVESA'

After spending a month traveling and teaching Europe, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, founder and publisher of Hinduism Today magazine returned to his ashram in Hawaii where it was discovered he had advanced intestinal cancer. Upon consulting with teams of eminent medical specialists and learning that even the most aggressive treatment would be ineffective, he declined treatment beyond palliative measures. He opted to follow the Vedic practice called, prayopavesa. That mean he took only water and abstained completely from all other nourishment. On the 32nd day of his fast, he left his body peacefully.

Sometimes described as fasting to death, prayopavesa is a traditional and acceptable Vedic way for a person to end his or her life. Praypoavesa is not considered a suicide, euthanasia or assisted suicide for the following reasons:

• it's non-violent and uses natural means;
  
• it's only used when it is evident that the time is right to be released from the body - there is terminal disease or a great disability;
  
• unlike the suddenness of suicide, prayopavesa is a gradual process, giving ample time for the person to prepare himself and those around him for his death;
  
• whereas suicide is often associated with feelings of frustration, depression, or anger, prayopavesa is associated with feelings of calm, serenity, peace and acceptance;
  
• it is utilized only by those who feel their life purpose has been fulfilled and that any remaining responsibilities can be taken on by others.
  

Vedic teachings outline the following conditions for prayopavesa: death appears to be imminent, the intention and decision is publicly declared, the releasing and relinquishing of life is done under community guidance and support.