Last year two of my old friends from high school committed suicide. This came as a shock to me, and I’m sure to a lot of people, because these individuals were outgoing and seemingly well adjusted.

What is suicide all about, Sri Harold? Why do people do it? And what can the people who are friends or family members do about it after the fact? How can I be a vehicle for the Light and Sound for others, especially when I am reaching to make sense of it and keep a balance for myself?

Thank you for your guidance on this sensitive issue.

—Adam,
Texas

Dear Adam,

It is very disturbing when someone we know decides to end it all. What are some likely reasons for suicide?

A big factor is an overexposure to electronics. Today’s technology has far outpaced human evolution, so our many gadgets blast our nervous system, weakening it.

Add to that a deficient diet. Soda and energy drinks are often loaded with caffeine, which stresses the nerves even more. Fast food does not supply us with the necessary nutrition, which also robs us of the right fuel for our bodies and minds.

All of the above devolve into insufficient sleep.

Of major concern is how the above items may relegate one’s spiritual exercises or quiet time to the very bottom of one’s daily schedule. We all need time alone; our intricate systems must have a chance to recharge and freshen up.

Not mentioned yet is severe pain as a reason for suicide. People are always meeting their own past deeds but are hardly set for the terrible pain that illness of body or mind can inflict.

Still, who are we to judge? Love only.

(from July 2011 Letter of Light)

On this journey home to God, we are sometimes faced with painful experiences. During these times, some youth make the choice to end their life. What is the spiritual lesson and responsibility in making that choice? How can we protect ourselves and be in tune with the Mahanta’s guidance? And as youth and leaders in the world, how do we respond?

Life often is pain. If not physical pain, then surely emotional or mental dis-ease of some sort. Earth is God’s boot camp for Souls.

Youth who take their lives are to be pitied only because they threw away on a whim the divine blessing of this life. In Christianity, it would be a final tragedy. The reason is that its belief system admits but to a single human existence in eternity and to lightly gamble it away is to forever suffer eternal damnation.

The teachings of Eckankar view human life on a broader scale. Each human life is a precious gift of God. After all, survival is one of our key teachings. Life is to cherish. Be respectful of all life, especially your own.

When someone commits suicide, it’s due to ignorance or a willful disobedience of spiritual law. That person has made a shortsighted choice. The spiritual hierarchy will require that Soul to make amends in another human life, and another, under much more trying conditions. Finally, that Soul learns that suicide is no answer. Just another problem.

You will show love and compassion to the survivors.

(from Youth Ask A Modern Prophet about Life, Love, and God, pp. 126–27)