QUESTION: If someone committed suicide would they be breaking the First Precept?
ANSWER: When one person murders another they might do it out of fear, anger, fury, greed or some other negative emotions. When a person kills themselves they might do it for very similar reasons or because of other negative emotions like despair or frustration. So whereas murder is the result of negative emotions directed towards another, suicide is negative emotions directed towards oneself and there for would be breaking the Precept. However, someone who is contemplating suicide or had attempted suicide does not need being told that what they are doing is wrong. They need our support and our understanding. ‘We have to help them understand that killing themselves is perpetuating their problem, not solving it.
ANSWER: When one person murders another they might do it out of fear, anger, fury, greed or some other negative emotions. When a person kills themselves they might do it for very similar reasons or because of other negative emotions like despair or frustration. So whereas murder is the result of negative emotions directed towards another, suicide is negative emotions directed towards oneself and there for would be breaking the Precept. However, someone who is contemplating suicide or had attempted suicide does not need being told that what they are doing is wrong. They need our support and our understanding. ‘We have to help them understand that killing themselves is perpetuating their problem, not solving it.
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