05-25-2009, 11:25 PM
I think there is a general feeling of negativity towards this act from society as a whole... although I think that's been changing slowly over time. Certainly the issue of assisted suicide has been hotly debated with Dr. Kevorkian and also the Terry Shivo case. The debates themselves maybe do not yield so much progress as the act of simply raising the possibility of it being a neutral act to the public. When this happens the debates follow, but that it's being debated at all is a sign that people are open to it more so then before.
For myself personally, I view suicide as a back door out of incarnation that may be opened if needed. It's a door I hope to never have to travel through, but the fact that it exists is a reassurance. I would much rather use the door then remain in a coma for 20 years until death, as a good example. I'm sure there are many other good examples also. It's obviously a major decision that impacts not just yourself but those around you- so I would never endorse light-hearted suicide contemplation.
Overall I feel it important to stress that I think it should be a last resort. Incarnation is a precious thing, in my humble opinion. Yet I also see clearly the folly of trying to use the words "should be" to anyone else but myself.
For myself personally, I view suicide as a back door out of incarnation that may be opened if needed. It's a door I hope to never have to travel through, but the fact that it exists is a reassurance. I would much rather use the door then remain in a coma for 20 years until death, as a good example. I'm sure there are many other good examples also. It's obviously a major decision that impacts not just yourself but those around you- so I would never endorse light-hearted suicide contemplation.
Overall I feel it important to stress that I think it should be a last resort. Incarnation is a precious thing, in my humble opinion. Yet I also see clearly the folly of trying to use the words "should be" to anyone else but myself.