Buddhist monk penance before suicide

July 2010. Binh Dinh. On the way back from Hue we passed this scene. According to T this man was once a doctor some time ago and he was held responsible for a few patient deaths. He became a Buddhist monk and after a while determined to do penance for his failings by marching the country from south to north, bowing to the ground with each step he makes. He was determined to accomplish his goal in three or four years, after which time he intends to self-immolate. Will edit the Title and Description once I get his name.

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Travel & Events

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• Binh Dinh
• Buddhist monk

[burnthewitch1431]

sad very upsetting. and not needed at all.

[ascetic43]

Fascinating. I don't get it though. What's the symbolic or spiritual significance of "suicide", and why fire? It seems like the most painful way to go; and I'm *sure* that's why it was selected, but to what "end"? Wouldn't that set you back on the Karmic wheel? I came across this looking for an article on the monk who just immolated himself in protest of the DL's exile. I'm not going to say "great" post, but again, fascinating. Cheers.