What is self-immolation?

What is self-immolation?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight March 29, 2024 Duration: 24:48

Bright on Buddhism Episode 27 - What is self-immolation? Why do people do it? What are some examples of self immolation in the Buddhist scriptural texts?

Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism' Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-50-0; Flanagan, Owen (2011-08-12). The Bodhisattva's Brain: Buddhism Naturalized. MIT Press. p. 107. ISBN 978-0-262-29723-3.; Williams, Paul, Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations, Routledge, 2008, pp. 195–196.; Harding, James M. “Incendiary Acts And Apocryphal Avant-Gardes: Thích Quảng Ðú’c, Self-Immolation, and Buddhist Spiritual Vanguardism.” PAJ: A Journal of Performance and Art 38, no. 3 (2016): 31–50. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26386805.; Fraser, Angus M. “Self-Immolation as a Political Act : A Note.” Vietnam Perspectives 3, no. 2 (1967): 28–31. http://www.jstor.org/stable/30182520.; Benn, James A. “Written in Flames: Self-Immolation in Sixth-Century Sichuan.” T’oung Pao 92, no. 4/5 (2006): 410–65. http://www.jstor.org/stable/4529049.; Hope, Marjorie. “The Reluctant Way: Self-Immolation in Vietnam.” The Antioch Review 27, no. 2 (1967): 149–63. https://doi.org/10.2307/4610829.; Benn, James A. Burning for the Buddha: Self-Immolation in Chinese Buddhism. University of Hawai’i Press, 2007. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt6wr3qf.; Yün-hua, Jan. “Buddhist Self-Immolation in Medieval China.” History of Religions 4, no. 2 (1965): 243–68. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1061959.; Sindhi, Swaleha A., and Adfer Rashid Shah. “Life in Flames: Understanding Tibetan Self Immolations as Protest.” The Tibet Journal 37, no. 4 (2012): 34–53. http://www.jstor.org/stable/tibetjournal.37.4.34.; Moerman, D. Max. “Passage to Fudaraku: Suicide and Salvation in Premodern Japanese Buddhism.” In The Buddhist Dead: Practices, Discourses, Representations, edited by Bryan J. Cuevas and Jacqueline I. Stone, 266–96. University of Hawai’i Press, 2007. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt6wr3rx.13.; https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/24/us/politics/climate-activist-self-immolation-supreme-court.html; https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/wynn-alan-bruce-climate-activist-supreme-court-b2064559.html

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu!

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host


Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

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