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Kumarila Bhatta set Himself on fire. Is it not a sin?

[Shri Sathi Reddy asked:- Kumarila Bhatta, who is none other than the human Incarnation of Lord Subrahmanya had burnt Himself in the flames of fire. Swamiji, is it not a sin considering it as suicide?]

Swami replied:- If a human being is considered as incarnation of God, that is not a sufficient proof. Of course, Kumarila Bhatta proposed the concept of knowledge and action (Jñāna karma samuccaya vāda), which is a wonderful concept. Shankara read the important portions of His commentary before Kumarila Bhatta and was very much appreciated by him. Kumarila Bhatta committed suicide and this is not a wise act that is suitable for a divine incarnation. God Himself condemned suicide in the Veda (Asūryā nāma te lokāḥ…). None shall end his/her life, given by God for the sake of doing spiritual effort in order to please God. A person committing suicide makes God furious.

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