I understand that many traditions/pantheons/beliefs/paths/et al that uphold the creed (as it were) of harming no one, which includes one's self. And who can argue that as being anything but a very good creed to have?
I have two questions in regards to suicide and pagan beliefs:
1. Is there any definite or specified taboos in pagan beliefs against suicide (such as there is in Christianity)?
2. What is everyone's take on what happens to you if you do commit suicide?
Other than the obviously good idea that you should not harm yourself, I have found no references in any of the traditions that I have studied, that mention anything about taking your own life. Neither pro or con. To be honest, I haven't found anything that specifically states that you should not harm yourself, or anyone else. Aside from common sense, I find no supportive "evidence" (for lack of a better word) to support not harming, or killing yourself.
Don't get me wrong, I'm NOT contending it, by no means. I'm simply looking for anything that would support it. I'm looking for some written account, or some ancient bardic tail, or any such basis. I'm doing this because it is one of those useless things that really doesn't matter in my path, but it does persist as a question.
Secondly, if Christians believe that you go to hell for committing suicide, I would like to see what other beliefs think happens to you. Do you feel that a person, or should I say spirit at that point, is punished in some way? Is it a lesson that needed be learned? Does the Goddess or God realize that maybe the lesson in patience was a little too rough? Whatever.
I'm interested in what everyone thinks about what happens when someone takes their own life.
And this is different from the scenario where you give your life to save another, that's a different thing all together.
Thanks in advance.
I have two questions in regards to suicide and pagan beliefs:
1. Is there any definite or specified taboos in pagan beliefs against suicide (such as there is in Christianity)?
2. What is everyone's take on what happens to you if you do commit suicide?
Other than the obviously good idea that you should not harm yourself, I have found no references in any of the traditions that I have studied, that mention anything about taking your own life. Neither pro or con. To be honest, I haven't found anything that specifically states that you should not harm yourself, or anyone else. Aside from common sense, I find no supportive "evidence" (for lack of a better word) to support not harming, or killing yourself.
Don't get me wrong, I'm NOT contending it, by no means. I'm simply looking for anything that would support it. I'm looking for some written account, or some ancient bardic tail, or any such basis. I'm doing this because it is one of those useless things that really doesn't matter in my path, but it does persist as a question.
Secondly, if Christians believe that you go to hell for committing suicide, I would like to see what other beliefs think happens to you. Do you feel that a person, or should I say spirit at that point, is punished in some way? Is it a lesson that needed be learned? Does the Goddess or God realize that maybe the lesson in patience was a little too rough? Whatever.
I'm interested in what everyone thinks about what happens when someone takes their own life.
And this is different from the scenario where you give your life to save another, that's a different thing all together.
Thanks in advance.
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