Question asked by Aditya
Dear Dharma Masters,
What does buddhism state about suicide? I have been reading contradicting contents in many places. Some seem to be taking a Hindu or Islamic stand that life is sacred and one does not have the right to meddle with it. Isn’t suicide itself a result of evil past karma of various kinds? The fact that one had killed or tormented many beings makes one end his or her life is more convincing, although insensitive.
My humble thanks.
Dear Adtya,
In Buddhism, suicide is morally and spiritually wrong as it is encouraged by a mind that is filled with delusions (attachment, hatred and ignorance). Taking one’s own life only causes greater suffering. If one dies in a confused and frustrated state of mind, it is unlikely he/she would be reborn in good conditions. Whether suicide is caused by evil past karma is not the point. The point is, in this lifetime, the person has not learned to face his/her problems and take responsibility, not to blame others for their problems, but to learn and understand the nature of existence and to lead a moral and meaningful life. Suicide is not condoned in Buddhism as it leads to further suffering.