How ought we understand suicide in Buddhism?

How ought we understand suicide in Buddhism?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight October 18, 2024 Duration: 30:12

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 96 - How ought we understand suicide in Buddhism? When is it acceptable and unacceptable and why? How has this interacted with and been influenced by culture?

Content warning - This episode contains heavy and potentially graphic discussions of suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or somebody you know has suicidal thoughts, ideation, or behaviors, you can call, text, or chat with 988 if you live in the US, or with your local suicide hotline if you live elsewhere.

Resources: https://academic.oup.com/book/31744; https://web.archive.org/web/20150522111755/http://www.westernbuddhistreview.com/vol4/suicide_as_a_response_to_suffering.html; https://web.archive.org/web/20100615221136/http://buddhistethics.org/3/keown.pdf; King, Sallie B. (2000). They Who Burned Themselves for Peace: Quaker and Buddhist Self-Immolators during the Vietnam War, Buddhist-Christian Studies 20, 127–150 – via JSTOR (subscription required); Kovan, Martin (2013). Thresholds of Transcendence: Buddhist Self-immolation and Mahāyānist Absolute Altruism, Part One. Journal of Buddhist Ethiks 20, 775–812; Biggs, Michael (2005). "Dying Without Killing: Self-Immolations, 1963–2002" (PDF). In Diego Gambetta (ed.). Making Sense of Suicide Missions. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-929797-9.; Schecter, Jerrod L. (1967), The New Face of Buddha: Buddhism and Political Power in Southeast Asia, New York: Coward-McCann; https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-self-immolation-e1hqhgu; https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brightonbuddhism/episodes/How-does-Buddhism-deal-with-death-e1ctvsh; https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-the-Buddhist-perspective-on-mental-health-e1b09p1; Iga, Mamoura; KS Adam (abstract) (1980), "Stress and Suicide in Japan", Transcultural Psychiatric Research Review, 17 (4), Transcultural Psychiatry: 243–244,; https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/gender-equality-by-country; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_in_South_Korea; https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources/

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host



Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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