The Gemara describes the tragic death of Rebbi Chanina Ben Teradyon. The Romans wrapped him in his Sefer Torah, surrounded him with bundles of branches, and ignited them. To make him suffer even more, they soaked sponges of wool in water and placed them on his heart so that his death would be slow and torturous. His students cried out, “Open your mouth and let the flame enter (so that you should not suffer)!” Rebbi Chanina replied, “It is better that the One who gave life should take it away, and let man not injure himself.” Rebbi Chanina in effect took his own life lifnim mishuras hadin, opening the entire question of whether martyrdom is permissible.
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