Suicide - Buddhism

[Nicky]

Something curious comes up:
- In Buddhism, suicide is a big no....
- but what about the cases of Buddhist monk sacrificing their life (Vietnam, Myanmar..)

I believe doing this is benefit for other beings..?

These suicides were political protests therefore they did not appear to fall under the scope of common suicide.

The famous Vietnam suicide was a political protest about the persecution of Buddhists by the Catholic government of South Vietnam.

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[Nicky]

In continuation of this topic, if someone you know has committed suicide, in Theravada Buddhism, the believe is they may be reborn in States of Deprivation (Apaya).
Is there a way to help them by doing dana / giving merit so that they are not continuously live in samsara?

The Theravada scriptures teach to make merit offerings for departed relatives.

However, I would agree with the wise advice of Matthew, which is to be more vigilant about suffering friends & family and learning how to help them.

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[mdr]

Naughty Buddhists not practising metta...