BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Buddhism Tibetan Nun Sets Herself On Fire As Protest

A young Tibetan nun based in China-occupied Tibet set herself on fire as a form of protest against the Chinese limits on religious freedom there. She demanded more religious freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama ( full news article here.)

Accurate reports are hard to come by, but some believe this is happening more and more often in the area, although not widely reported. There are mixed feelings about it amongst Buddhists - while most support the Tibetan cause, self-immolation is considered a violation of Buddhist precepts by most. Any opinions?

Ahimsa!

But what is the point anyway? you just ended your life in pain and probably accomplished nothing other than a media frenzy. I don't think things like this create positive change.

Yes, I agree. I think it just speaks to the desperation people are feeling there. There isn't a strong tradition of martyrdom in Buddhism, but desperation is causing people to feel that sacrificing themselves to draw attention to the cause is worth it.