On Suicide: To end one’s life before the unfolding of one’s full potential
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"Commiting suicide is like arriving uninvited at a party." I don't know where I first heard this, but it is in keeping with Baha'i belief. There are many worlds of God, the soul progressing from one to the next. "Death is a messenger of joy," the Baha'i Writings tell us, but taking one's life is contrary to God's wishes for us. -gw
From The Baha’is of Kaua‘iOne of the purposes of life is to develop spiritually. To end one’s life before the unfolding of one’s full potential would, therefore, hinder the soul’s progress. God is the creator of life and He alone determines when the soul is ready to move to the next plane of existence.
Life is never stagnant. During times of sorrow or grief, life may feel unbearable and thoughts of suicide as a means of escape may seem the only way out. We are counseled to turn to God and pray for assistance.
The following Baha’i writings provide comfort and assurance:
“Grieve not, for I am thy true, thy unfailing comforter. Let neither despondency nor despair becloud the serenity of thy life or restrain thy freedom.”“O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my guide and my refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being… I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord.”Posted in Local on Monday, May 24, 2010 11:45 pm Tags: Spiritual Leaders, Suicide, http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/article_6799a6e2-67d7-11df-9589-001cc4c03286.html
1 comment:
Suicide is deeply saddening and tragic, but it does happen. Some people do decide to end their own lives, and somehow manage to do it. One of our community members commented that it is like excusing oneself from the table before the meal is done ... a turn of phrase similar to the "uninvited to the party" phrase you used. This is where the Ever-Forgiving and All-Merciful names of God would be most welcome.
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