Perspective
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Self-harming rituals are integral to certain religions.
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In some tribes in Africa, facial scarification is done to mark a tribe member's journey into adulthood.
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The Sadhu Babas in India perform extreme self-abuse as an attempt to free their inner spirit.
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In Buddhist tradition, self-immolation and hunger-striking employ the body as a means of resistance.
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The "Shia" sect of Islam holds the practice of self flagellation as part of a mourning ritual to mark the death of the Prophet's grandson integral to its religious tradition.
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Mortification of the flesh has been prevalent in Christianity throughout history.
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The legality of something is not decided by how integral it is to a religion.