Journal of Meditation based Psychological Counseling (J Medit Psychol Couns)
Indexed in KCI
OPEN ACCESS, PEER REVIEWED
pISSN 2289-0823
eISSN 2671-6119
Research Article

Suicide, another face of desire

1Professor, Korea National University of Arts
2Professor, Liberal Arts and Convergence Education Institute, Dongguk University WISE campus

Correspondence to Lee, Pilwon, E-mail: nie1206@hanmail.net

Volume 32, Pages 89-98, December 2024.
Journal of Meditation Based Psychological Counseling 2024, 32, 89-98. https://doi.org/10.12972/mpca.20240015
Received on December 02, 2024, Revised on December 19, 2024, Accepted on December 31, 2024, Published on December 31, 2024.
Copyright © 2024 Meditation based Psychological Counseling Association.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0).

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the nature and causes of suicide from a Buddhist perspective, focusing on the aspect of desire rather than viewing it as a sin.

Methods: The study examines Buddhist texts and interpretations, particularly focusing on the relationship between suicide and vibhava-taṇhā (craving for non-existence), while analyzing various cases of suicide mentioned in Buddhist literature.

Results: The research identifies three distinct forms of suicide in Buddhism: elimination of defilements through realization of non-self, suicide based on self-loathing and wrong view, and suicide as a means to overcome suffering and fulfill desires. The study particularly emphasizes the relationship between vibhava-taṇhā and suicidal tendencies.

Conclusion: Suicide in Buddhism is understood not merely as self-destruction but as another manifestation of desire, specifically related to the craving for non-existence. This understanding provides a unique perspective for comprehending and addressing suicide in contemporary society.

Keywords

Buddhism, Suicide, Desire, Vibhava-taṇhā, wrong view

Section