Is hurting self also a sin?

Ms. Thrylokya asked: Is it a sin if we hurt one's own self? Or does it become a sin only if we hurt others?

Swami replied:- If one hurts himself/herself, it is a sin in one context and merit in another context. If the self confidence is in a low level, one should not hurt the self. If a sin is done, hurting one’s self shall be done to lower the ego and repent for the sake of reformation of one’s self. Similarly, hurting others is also a sin and a merit. If you hurt good people misunderstanding their good deeds as bad deeds it is a sin. If you hurt bad people perfectly understanding their bad deeds as bad deeds only, it is a merit. Every quality and subsequent action has both good and bad sides as per the context. All the qualities and deeds are created by God with good sides only and hence, there is no mistake in His creation. Mistake lies with us, the souls, who use every quality and deed on its bad side only!

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