Do you think it's bad to post a picture of a burning monk on my profile page?

Question

I wanted to post it because I like the idea that the monk was standing up for Buddhism. This was ofcourse many years ago during the Vietnam war. I just like the symbolism of strength. It's just like having a cross with Christ hanging from it. Is not? I'm not trying to cause any negative attention. I just wanted to know what people thought before I actually did it. Thank you.

Answer 1

It would be in bad taste. I would not do it.

Answer 2

I've seen pictures like that. The practice is called "self-immolation". I think the strength displayed is almost incomprehensible, if misguided. Suicide has never made a point for anyone - all that's focused on is the act, not the intent.

If you did display the picture, I'd have a good explanation right next to it, because most Westerners are hopelessly monotheistic and can't comprehend the beliefs that a Buddhist monk would have regarding the afterlife and why he might feel suicide was a viable option for protest.

Answer 3

It is good that you are wanting to understand why the picture and situation happened before you choose such a strong symbolic picture.

The monk that burned himself to death was Thích Quảng Đức. He did so in protest of policies mandated by South Vietnamese President Diem's (who was Catholic) against the Buddhists in Vietnam, which is the religion of the vast majority of Vietnamese. Thích Quảng Đức was the first of several monks who self-immolated themselves under such protest.

The self-immolations had nothing to do the Vietnam War (American combat troops would arrive in Vietnam two years later). Those who are not knowledgeable of such history tend to depict the incidents as war protests, which is an insult to why Thích Quảng Đức did what he did. Thích Quảng Đức loved Vietnam and hated communism, just like Diem and other Catholics in South Vietnam did to evade religious prosecution by the communists.

In my opinion, Thích Quảng Đức's photo more closely symbolizes Christianity persecuting non-Christians rather than a parallel to the crucifix of Jesus. That in mind, the photo remains highly controversial over 40 years later. No one can stop you from posting the picture, but don't be shocked if you receive some backlash from it.

By the way...

History books depict that Thích Quảng Đức drove himself to the location with his car seen in the background of the infamous photo. That's not true. He walked to the location from his pagoda and the car happened to be there. Thích Quảng Đức was a monk, and never owned a car in his life. How I know this is my Mom followed him from the pagoda along with hundreds of other people. So continue being inquisitive, and the truth will find you eventually.

Answer 4

The image of Christ hanging on the Cross is a well-known well-documented story representing such great love for us that God would allow His very own Son to be killed in human form so he could redeem us.

That is a positive feeling, but only if you know the story behind it.

The burning monk vision is a lesser known story, so few people would understand the symbolism. You may be accused of tackiness and other less desireable qualities.

Of course, the decision is yours, but you need to be strong in your belief to stand up to probable criticism.

Answer 5

That was a very stark image. Like the one of the guy getting shot in the head. That was an incredibly brutal and meaningless war and...as bad as Iraq seems, it can't hold a candle to that one.

BTW, I don't think the monk was standing up for Buddhism, I think it was simply protest of the war itself. It may seem like a trivial distinction but I don't believe he, the monk, or anybody else viewed that war as an attack on Buddhism (but it was an attack on some relatively peaceful and otherwise devout Buddhists by other relatively peaceful and otherwise devout Buddhists - very strange).

Answer 6

The image of Jesus on the cross is known by many people. But the image of a burning man is not and would be seen as cruel and disgusting by many people looking at your page.

I would find a less graphic depiction of strength.

Answer 7

Actually (being around at the time he did that), the monk was protesting the war.

Yes, it is a symbol of strength. It is also a symbol of protest against pointless destruction and death.

I'd have no problem with it.

Answer 8

If it supports a positive belief, explain this beneath...like a text-caption. otherwise, you'll be demonized by many--even atheists.

If christians can safetly wear a dead man nailed to a cross, then you should be able to dress a burning monk on your work.

Answer 9

That monk your talking about, he found the still point and knows the deathless, he would want you to post it for the right reasons. Death can be a teacher. ~ : )

Answer 10

What's the problem? You are making a positive statement. The only argument against it is personal taste.

Answer 11

I like it, but I definitely think it's going to have to be accompanied with some explanatory captions or you're going to end up looking bad.