Self-Immolation amongst Tibetan Monks

7. • Clouded Judgment?

8. • Buddhist monks self immolating is a heinous desperate act.
This could be a thought of a Christian that is unknowledgeable
of the Buddhist tradition. In the view of Buddhism pain is just a
way of life as told by the first noble truth. The monks who burn
themselves are honored for their sacrifice rather than titled a
suicidal act of desperation. The perspective of the religion is
the key to understanding why people do these things. So
whether it is good or bad is not up to us unless we have
extensive knowledge of the group or act displayed.

9. • Recent occurrences

10. •
In September 28 of 2013,
Shichung a 40 year old monk
self immolated resulting in
death. This was in protest
against the Chinese. But do the
two kids he left behind think so
honorably of their father?
•
An 18-year old monk called
Kunchok Sonam set himself
on fire on July 20 and died
outside his monastery in
Dzoege, Ngaba, where the
crackdown has been among
the most intense in Tibetan
areas. Kunchok Sonam was
regarded as ‘exceptional’ in
his studies. He had told
friends that living under
Chinese rule in Tibet had
brought too much suffering.

11. • As more and more Chinese
government officials are beginning
to crack down on this practice and
monitor Tibetan monasteries, this
seemingly only fuels the fire to
which these monks already have
burning inside them.
• We think that there are many other
effective ways to channel their
disagreement through a more
positive message.
• After deeper investigation of
Buddhist tradition we believe that
there are alternatives to burning in
protest of the Chinese laws. We
would propose marches and
peaceful gathering. This represents
their religion more accurately than
self immolation.

12. Conclusion
• As a result of our analysis we have come to the conclusion that although
we can’t say that we know what they believe is right or wrong, we, like all
other people in this world have the right to our own free will. Making the
right and moral decision about issues in society that make the world a
better place is a constant struggle within the Buddhist religion. Ultimately
it is there divine right to make the decision on how to handle an issue that
they feel is holding them back from not only a better life here on earth,
but for the afterlife later on. One thing is true in that there is always a
positive solution to such a severe showing of disagreement to government
policies and religious setbacks.
• This is a problem in todays society and we as westerners should
understand and respect others’ viewpoints on how they live their lives
through their religion, much like millions of Americans live our lives
throughout our own religions, rituals, Ideas and practices. We should
promote people to learn more about what is happening to these burning
monks and understand the motives before we pass judgment on such a
complex tradition.