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JTHipster · 4618 days ago · link · · parent · post: Self-immolation in India: Frighteningly common | The Economist
Beyond that, the meaning of self immolation is lost. The pictures of tibetan monks sitting still as stone is one of the most powerful messages ever recorded; its a human being showing almost superhuman strength in the face of horrifying pain and a gruesome death. The message was inspiring; it showed that the strength of their faith and resolve was greater than anything the Chinese could hope to do.
When the person cries out in pain, it undermines that message. It no longer holds a spiritual meaning; the protest is then political rather than religious in nature. Regardless of whether or not you think it'd right, humans tend to sympathize and admire great acts of self-sacrifice. The priest who starves himself during a famine is more of a hero than the one who demands stiff grain tribute, and even if the grain ultimately feeds vastly more people. Not making judgements, just talking about the public spin self immolation has