THE SELF-IMMOLATION OF VENERABLE THICH QUANG DUC ACCORDING TO MAHĀYĀNA BUDDHIST PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This paper addresses the particulars of Venerable Thich Quang Duc’s selfimmolation which has created the discussion about right or wrong. Because, the Buddha prohibited his disciples that they have not been deprived their own lives. Possible problems are presented in the simple analyzing his self-immolation according to: The standards of Mahāyāna principles, the perspective of Bodhisattva ideal, and the important purposes of his self-immolation. Firstly, according to Mahāyāna principles, this case will be adjudicated in two main aspects: Mahāyāna Vinaya and Bodhisattva precepts. Secondly, according to the Bodhisattva ideal, his self-immolation will be considered as: The Dāna Paramitā, the expression of The Compassion Mind, the expression of the Fearlessness (Abhaya). Thirdly, the important purposes of his selfimmolation were the targets which he endeavored in order to attain as: The Protection of Buddhism, the Spiritual Non-violence, and the Spiritual Engaged Buddhism.