Understanding Suicide Through a Buddhist Lens — Prof. G. A. Somaratne

Understanding Suicide Through a Buddhist Lens — Prof. G. A. Somaratne

The Institute of Chinese Buddhism (ICB) warmly welcomes you to the fifth lecture of our ICB 2026 Public Lecture Series with Prof. G. A. Somaratne, renowned Pali scholar from the Centre of Buddhist Studies, University of Hong Kong.

Why do we sometimes believe that ending suffering means ending life itself?
In this thoughtful and compassionate two-day teaching, Prof. Somaratne examines the complex experience of despair and the wish to escape suffering through the clear, insightful lens of the Buddha’s teachings.

Drawing from early Buddhist scriptures, he will unpack how subtle craving, misperceptions of suffering, and deeply rooted mental habits can lead to the “escape trap” — and why true freedom cannot be found through avoidance, but through wisdom, acceptance, and understanding.

This lecture offers a safe, reflective space to explore one of the most difficult human experiences with sensitivity, clarity, and hope.

Event Details
📅 18 April 2026 (Saturday) — 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
📅 19 April 2026 (Sunday) — 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
📍 Poh Ming Tse Temple, Singapore
🎟 Admission: By donation ($20 per day suggested)
Free for students and monastics.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/fuFbGvAqAj

What You Will Explore
🧘‍♂️ Why the desire for non-existence can arise — and how Buddhism interprets it
🌱 How distorted views about suffering and liberation take shape
💛 The Buddha’s approach to despair: compassion, clarity, and responsibility
🕊 How wisdom and insight open a genuine path to peace

About the Speaker
Prof. G. A. Somaratne is a respected Pali scholar and Buddhist studies educator with extensive experience teaching across Asia. Known for his depth of knowledge and gentle approach to complex topics, he brings early Buddhist texts to life with compassion and scholarly precision.

✨ All are welcome — no background in Buddhism needed.
Come with openness and join us for a meaningful exploration of suffering, hope, and the Buddhist path to freedom.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Institute of Chinese Buddhism