According to early Japanese tradition, death was considered terrifying.
However, as Buddhism gained ground in Japan, a Samurai could face death
without fear since, according to the Law of Karma, life continues in one form or another.
Ritual suicide is known as seppuku or harakiri.
There were several standard reasons for committing suicide: fear of being taken prisoner,
demonstrating loyalty to, or the strength of, one’s family, avoiding the weakness of old age
or improving the status of one's children. As of the 17th century,
it became the most common form of punishment for the most severe crimes among the Samurai.
It was forbidden to other social classes.
