Question: I would like to ask If I get negative or unwanted thoughts is it better to let them come or is it better to resist fighting or suppress them? Is it wrong for a person to commit suicide?
Answer by Romapada Swami: Negative emotions or thoughts when suppressed often lead to depression or frustration or they manifest in some other form and are expressed in a different harsh way onto others. It can also lead to thoughts of committing suicide. As you asked in your question, suicide is certainly considered sinful or unlawful according to the scriptures. It is very wrong for a person to commit suicide.
As humans, we may go through negative emotions/thoughts in our life. But it is important to know with the help of guru, sadhu and sastras, how to process or handle such thoughts when we encounter them.
The first step is to recognize the negative thoughts and then to accept the situation in life which is bringing about those negative emotions.
In BG 2.14, Krsna talks about tolerating the situations/inconveniences that life throws at us.
When start to feel overpowered by negative thoughts, instead of further dwelling on those thoughts, one should try to turn the thoughts towards some spiritual activity – it can be either seeking the association of a senior mature devotee to seek further guidance, or listening to kirtan, singing Krsna conscious bhajans, chanting the Maha mantra, reading bona fide scriptures, hearing spiritual topics.
The main cause of having negative thoughts is because we feel vulnerable and insecure in our worldly relationships. But when we try to reconnect ourselves with Krishna through the medium of devotional service, we will gradually experience a sense of shelter and security in that eternal relationship. It is important therefore to set aside some time of your day (preferably early morning hours, as far as possible) to sincerely with all of one’s heart chant the Hare Krishna Maha mantra and seek shelter of the Lord’s Holy Name. This will help you to redirect your negative thoughts into positive thoughts as you slowly connect yourself with Krsna.
