Buddhist+Monks

=__Immolation Strikes Buddhist Community__=

Self-immolation is a method of suicide by literally burning yourself on fire to draw attention to a religion or cause. This form of political protest has been considered one of the most symbolic acts of sacrifice. These rallies’and protests often cause society to question the American role in Vietnam. In Vietnamese heritage, this practice is very common and has been around for centuries. It acts as a demand for ending suffering in the world. So far reported, two Americans immolated themselves in 1963, in religious protest of the Vietnam War the first was Norman Morriss, who performed the act after reading an article by a missionary about the destruction of a Vietnamese village by napalm, then the famous Thich Quang Duc. In South Vietnam this form of intentional suicide has become very common among Buddhist monks and nuns.

Diem, the President of the Republic of Vietnam, is passive towards the ongoing issues in his community. Diem’s dictatorship is coming up short regarding economic support and government policies. In 1963, Diem’s brother, Ngo Dinh Nhu, attacked Buddhist pagodas throughout South Vietnam invading religious orders and destroying serenity of the Buddhist community. Monks were accused by Nhu of being Communist themselves. Diem was warned through this subliminal message that there was to be no interference in the Buddhist religious life.

media type="custom" key="8138638" align="left" On June 11, 1963 in the streets of Saigon, Thick Quang Duc lit himself on fire, protesting the persecution of Buddhist by the government. Thich Quang Duc is the first contributor involved in Buddhist self-immolation in Vietnam. He burnt himself to protest the US- backed southern suppression of Buddhist’s in the 1960’s. He seems to believe that he is justifying conciliation and speaking up for his community by displaying self-harm.

In response, by burning himself, Thich Quang Duc awakened the world to the suffering of the war and the persecution of Buddhists. When someone courageously stands up to violence, a force for change is released. His courage is challenged by violence and love. Love and sacrifice always set up a chain reaction. Like the crucifixion of Jesus, Thich Quang Duc’s act expresses the unconditional willingness to suffer for the lives of others.

Immolation expresses both selflessness and unconditional sacrifice for others and also dedication to impede to the Buddhist Church. It is surprising to discover the Buddhist leaders always tried to prevent it. There is a famous photograph taken by Malcolm Browne, of Thich Quang Duc which shows him sitting in a lotus posture, set aflame and surrounded by nuns and robed monks. They all stand in a circle pressing their palms together with faces of grief. It seems to be a group action that they all spiritually took part in. Thich’s incentive is to raise awareness for prejudice American influence on the war against monks.

Within just a short period of time this news story has begun reaching international audience, and has provoked worldwide shock. The public is starting to react with sympathy for the monks and their society. President John F, Kennedy is appalled with the misjudgment on Diem’s behalf. This is making President Diem appear tremendously selfish and only favorable towards his supports and people. The President orders immediate action to prevent and stop all upcoming immolations. Recent news says, Diem and his brother were assassinated on November 1, 1963. Although they are diseased, the protesting continues, there is a march of 10,000 Buddhist striking against the killings as of now.