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Here’s a concise bullet-point summary of “The Ethical Dimensions of Prolonging Life: A Hindu Perspective”:

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🕉️ Summary: A Hindu Perspective on Prolonging Life

• Life & Death in Hinduism:
  Viewed as part of a cosmic cycle — creation (Srishti), preservation (Sthiti), dissolution (Pralaya). The soul (Atman) is eternal; the body is transient.

• Scriptural Insight:

  • Bhagavad Gita 2.27: Death and rebirth are inevitable.

  • Uddhava Gita: Clinging to impermanence causes suffering.

  • Katha Upanishad: Emphasizes soul’s immortality over material pursuits.

• Prolonging Life vs. Dharma:

  • Artificially extending life may contradict Dharma and Rta (cosmic order).

  • Can lead to more suffering, violating Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truth).

• Ethical Concerns:

  • Medical advances often prolong suffering rather than reduce it.

  • Driven by Moha (attachment) and fear of death.

• Scriptural Narratives:

  • Bhishma’s prolonged pain (Mahabharata) shows the burden of delaying natural death.

  • Nachiketa & Yama (Katha Upanishad) reflect on the meaning of death and soul’s journey.

• Wisdom from Modern Sages:

  • Swami Sivananda: Life’s purpose is self-realization, not mere extension.

  • Ramana Maharshi: Surrender to what is natural.

  • Sadhguru: Death should be a conscious transition, not resisted.

• Role of Karma & Dharma:

  • Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: Calls for transcendence beyond physical life.

  • Ethics should be guided by spiritual wellbeing, not mechanical survival.

• Social & Economic Considerations:

  • Healthcare often prioritizes profit over dignity.

  • Ashtavakra Gita: Warns against getting lost in worldly illusions.

• Call to Conscious Living & Dying:

  • Chandogya Upanishad: Describes the soul’s merging with the eternal.

  • Swami Chinmayananda: Life should prepare us for death.

  • Swami Vivekananda: Live fully, leave with no regrets.

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