Quote:
Originally posted by Xaccers
Anyone remember why the buddist monk did the same thing ages ago?
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Hi Xaccers
I certainly do.
The Buddhists of South Vietnam were having a hard time under the rule of President Diem.
Diem was a Catholic and favoured his own people.
The text in my book says:-
"On June 11, 1963, in Saigon, Quang Duc, a sixty-six-year-old Buddhist monk, drenched his body in gasoline, knelt down in a position of prayer, and set himself ablaze, commiting suicide as an act of protest. The pictures of Quang Duc were published in newspapers worldwide, setting off a furor of protest. The American ambassador at the time, the stately Henry Cabot Lodge, warned Diem that repression must cease if U.S. aid was to continue."
I've scanned a picture too.
btw
The correct name for one of these monks is a 'Bonze'.
Also this type of suicide is known as 'self-immolation'
(This information is bound to come in useful in a pub quiz - eventually)
The reason for these actions is to bring the world's attention to a problem.
In Vietnam then, in Iran now.
Best wishes
Ron
