Buddhism  Burning.

David Wakeling

 

On June 11th, 1963,
Thich Quang Duc, a Buddhist Monk,
sat down in the Lotus position on a street in Saigon.
His fellow monks poured petrol on him as he had requested.
He sat there for a moment not taking a breath.
He nodded and set himself on fire and burned himself to death.

He was protesting against the mistreatment of Buddhists,
by the Catholic South Vietnamese government.

It is difficult to imagine what he was thinking in his last moments.
I trust he was saying a Buddhist prayer like this one:

“ Today has passed, Life is getting shorter ,
Like a fish out of water, nothing fun about that
Masses must be diligent, Let go the fire in the head
Just remember impermanence.

Do not let go of it, hear the bell, reduce afflictions
Greet wisdom, Leave hell, Escape ignorance
Save all beings from suffering ”.

Is this the age of Fire and Ice?
The time when men take up guns again,
Or will tomorrow see the glorious rain,
Forgo the need for Fire.

 

  • Author: David Wakeling (Offline Offline)
  • Published: March 4th, 2025 01:59
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 19
Get a free collection of Classic Poetry ↓

✔ Receive the ebook in seconds ✔ 50 poems from 50 different authors


Comments +

Comments5

  • Cassie58

    Such an act of violence against himself and yet Buddhists are peace loving and non violent. His mind must have been in turmoil. I hope he has found his peace. Finely penned David. Quite a thought provoking write. Have a good Tuesday. .

    • David Wakeling

      Yes you are right.Certainly a distrubing thing to do.Thanks for commenting

    • sorenbarrett

      I remember well that act. It has become iconic and stands as an image of protest in its irony of violence against violence fighting fire with fire. A wonderful write of an act not to be forgotten.

      • David Wakeling

        Thank you for commenting.Much appreciated

      • Poetic Licence

        I was not aware of this before this read, must of been extremely disturbed by the violence to end his life in such a painful and violent way, hope he rests in some kind of peace, enjoyed the read

      • Tony36

        Excellent write David

      • Goldfinch60

        Fine words David about an awful but remembered event. When will this world learn peace?

        Andy

        • David Wakeling

          Yes I ask the same question. Thanks for commenting



        To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.