Dying by will

[Benj]

I don't know much about this subject, but it seems to me that if one was tired enough of this world to want end there physical body prematurely, that they may harbour some deep aversion to the world, that's not being seen. In this respect, to end ones physical body in an effort to reach Nibbana, one may risk taking rebirth. Personally, the more I meditate the more integrated into the world I feel. I imagine if I were fully awake I would be quite satisfied to play out the rest of days somewhere quiet, not wanting for anything to happen. But, then again I am imagining.

[Jhanananda]

Good points, Benj.  Another way of looking at this issue is, if someone is successful in leading a fruitful contemplative life, then they would find so much fulfillment in such a lifestyle that they would not feel the need to die prematurely.  The world, after all, needs more fruitful contemplatives to model a successful recovery.