PUBLIC TALK: Suicide Prevention in Society – Canberra

How can we prevent suicide through Buddhist insight? In this public talk, Lama Choedak Rinpoche will use Buddhist teachings to explain the nature of suffering and how to relate to suffering without becoming overwhelmed.

In Buddhism, the most important thing is the sacredness of life of all living beings. To be alive is a great blessing, as we have many opportunities each day to better ourselves and to help other beings who are struggling to love.

The first moral undertaking of any Buddhist is a vow of non-harming, renouncing the use of violence towards others. This peaceful and compassionate attitude towards others is synonymous with Buddhism. Especially for those new to Buddhism, it is so often emphasised to not harm any living beings, but harm to oneself is not often discussed.

Suicide is a prominent public health concern, with almost 2% of deaths in Australia attributed to suicide. This is an average of 8.3 people each day. Combined with problems of substance abuse and mental disorders, the risk of self-harm becomes alarmingly high and difficult to solve. How can Buddhism in our everyday life help heal depression and prevent suicide? 

In this public talk, there will be an emphasis on learning to manage difficult thoughts and situations using a desire to heal and grow from negativities. Using Buddhist wisdom to develop techniques of self-love, tolerance and nurturing kind thoughts, the sadness of depression, suicide, hatred will be healed.

Leaving this talk, we will have grown strong self-love, with the unshakable conviction to never self-harm but rather to practice self-help. Further, we will learn to be of assistance to those who are hurting with these mind states. 

 Are you, or someone you know in crisis? Please call Lifeline 13 11 14 to speak with a professional counsellor.