What is the Sikh perspective on euthanasia?

Euthanasia – Assisted Suicide means deliberately ending a person’s life to stop suffering, usually when the person is very ill and in pain. In simple words, it is when death is caused on purpose to bring relief from pain or suffering.

  1. Life is sacred: Sikhi teaches that human life is a rare gift from Vaheguru. Only Vaheguru gives and takes life.
  2. Divine Law (Hukam): Birth and death happen in accordance with the Divine-Law (Hukam). Accepting both pleasure and pain as part of Vaheguru’s Will helps Sikhs stay in Chardi-kalaa (high spirits).
  3. Mind & acceptance: The restless mind can lead to despair, but Sikhi teaches that through Gurmat (the Guru’s Teachings), the mind accepts Vaheguru’s Will and finds peace.
  4. Compassion & Care: Sikhs must care for those who are sick or in pain, giving medical help, comfort, and dignity, but not assist in ending life. Helping others in suffering is part of seva (selfless service).
  5. Issues with legalisation: Sikhi teaches compassion and dignity in care are essential. Legalised active euathanasia or assisted-suicide risks devaluing life. The Sikh way is not assisted dying, but Guru-guided living, facing pain and joy alike with courage, faith, and compassion.
References:
1. ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਨਿ ਰੇ ਮਨਾ ਦੁਰਲਭ ਮਾਨੁਖ ਦੇਹ ॥੨੭॥ ; ਆਪੇ ਮਾਰਿ ਜੀਵਾਲੇ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ॥
2. ਜੰਮਣੁ ਮਰਣਾ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਹੈ ਭਾਣੈ ਆਵੈ ਜਾਇ ॥ ; ਮਾਨਿ ਆਗਿਆ ਸਰਬ ਸੁਖ ਪਾਏ ਦੂਖਹ ਠਾਉ ਗਵਾਇਓ ॥ ; ਸੁਖ ਦੁਖ ਸਮ ਕਰਿ ਜਾਣੀਅਹਿ ਸਬਦਿ ਭੇਦਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥੫॥
3. ਮਨ ਕਾ ਕਹਿਆ ਮਨਸਾ ਕਰੈ ॥ ਇਹੁ ਮਨੁ ਪੁੰਨੁ ਪਾਪੁ ਉਚਰੈ ॥ ਮਾਇਆ ਮਦਿ ਮਾਤੇ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥ ਤ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਮਨਿ ਸਾਚਾ ਭਾਵੈ ॥੧॥
4. ਧੌਲੁ ਧਰਮੁ ਦਇਆ ਕਾ ਪੂਤੁ ॥

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