Buddhism in Five Minutes - Elizabeth J. Harris
59. How do Buddhist View Suicide and Self-immolation?
Buddhism in Five Minutes - Elizabeth J. Harris
Peter Harvey [+]
University of Sunderland
Peter Harvey is Emeritus Professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Sunderland. He co-founded with Ian Harris the UK Association for Buddhist Studies and edits its journal Buddhist Studies Review. His research has been on early Buddhist thought and practice, Buddhist ethics and making accessible the rich history of Buddhist thought.
Description
Buddhism sees being born as a human as a rare and precious opportunity for spiritual development, as well as for the pleasures that are also part of human life. Suicide both wastes this opportunity for oneself and also deprives others of benefits that one may bring to them. Moreover, suicide is an act that will bring grief to friends and relatives, and so, if for no other reason, is to be avoided.