How Is Nirvana Better Than Suicide? – Dialectic Two Step

Estimated reading time: 5 minute(s)

How Is Nirvana Better Than Suicide?

Question: In Buddhism, would a fixed state of selflessness be “neutral” and no better than a feeling of nothingness?  If given the option to experience pure nothingness and non-existence, I would absolutely choose the latter. Thus far, my has life been full of suffering. How is Nirvana better than suicide?

Response: First of all publicly contemplating suicide should be the first thing we talk about here. Please make sure that you reach out to someone nearby if you are having suicide ideation, a plan, or hopelessness. You can contact Samaritans at http://samaritanshope.org/ or call (877)870-4673.

If your question is more a hypothetical, then I think we should break out some of the misconceptions in your question.

First, a fixed state of selflessness is not an accurate definition of Nirvana. Anything we experience in life is not fixed. The Buddhist principle of impermanence reminds us that everything we see is subject to change; both ups and downs.

Nirvana is not a fixed experience of anything. It would be more accurate to say that extinguishing fixed ideas about ourselves and the world is what it’s about. Put simpler, if we acknowledge that all things shall pass, we can let go of the hopelessness that comes from thinking things will always be the way they are. In your case, knowing that things change can be a step toward freedom from suffering. Today you may be suffering, but tomorrow may hold joy or satisfaction.

Ultimately, the choices that we make are what guide our contentment. At its bare essence we choose to suffer or not to suffer. Coming to this realization is not easy, and can even sound off putting at first. But if you think about it, if you are forced to choose between changing the world or changing yourself, the latter is a little bit easier.

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Wisdom lies neither in fixity nor in change, but in the dialectic between the two. - Octavio

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