My personal view is that if the Vedic Rishis were confronted with such a problem, they would have supported the views of Dignity SA that considered all the relevant facts before taking their decision, says the writer.
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WITH reference to the story, "Religious leaders: This is viewed as suicide, which is not condoned in any religion" (the POST, April 22 – 26), I agree with Pundit Lokesh Maharajh, that assisted dying should be contemplated in special cases.
But there my agreement with him ends.
What the Hindu community worldwide should remember is that Hinduism came into existence through the spiritual wisdom of the Vedic Rishis. Hindus know nothing of the gods Christians, Muslims and other followers of Middle Eastern faiths worship. We cannot support their views on such matters as assisted dying.
My personal view is that if the Vedic Rishis were confronted with such a problem, they would have supported the views of Dignity SA that considered all the relevant facts before taking their decision. The Vedic Rishis would have done the same. That is how Hinduism came into existence.
To alleviate a patient’s suffering is far more important than considering religious belief that is never explicit about the responsibilities we carry in our understanding of what religious truth really is.
As a dedicated Hindu of longstanding, I fully endorse the view that individuals with a terminal or irremediable condition should have a constitutional right to ask for and be afforded medical assistance in dying.
THILLAY NAIDOO
Durban
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.