Committing Suicide
Taking one's own life under any circumstances is morally and spiritually wrong.
Taking one's own life owing to frustration or disappointment only causes greater
suffering. Suicide is a cowardly way to end one's problems of life. A person
cannot commit suicide if his mind is pure and tranquil. If one leaves this world
with a confused and frustrated mind, it is most unlikely that he would be born
again in a better condition. Suicide is an unwholesome or unskilful act since
it is encouraged by a mind filled with greed, hatred and delusion. Those who
commit suicide have not learnt how to face their problems, how to face the facts
of life, and how to use their mind in a proper manner. Such people have not
been able to understand the nature of life and worldly conditions.
Some people sacrifice their own lives for what they deem as a good and noble
cause. They take their own life by such methods as self-immolation, bullet-fire,
or starvation. Such actions may be classified as brave and courageous. However,
from the Buddhist point of view, such acts are not to be condoned. The Buddha
has clearly pointed out that the suicidal states of mind lead to further suffering.