People sometimes think I am Buddhist. I am not, though Buddhism has deeply influenced me.
My introduction to Buddhism came on this day in 1963 when Thích Quảng Đức, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, set himself on fire in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City.) He was protesting the treatment of Buddhists by the Vietnamese government led by President Ngo Dinh Diem.
That photograph by journalist Malcolm Browne was published worldwide, and caused such an uproar that President Kennedy noted, “No news picture in history has generated so much emotion around the world as that one.”
I know it hit me hard.
Rest in peace, brother. You changed the way I look at the world.
T. W. Dittmer 
The car he drove, which is tiny, is now in a museum in HCMC. Along with a blow-up of the photo. It still leaves a huge impression.
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This is an amazingly powerful image and always will be xxx
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Now that’s faith.
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Still not sure what I think about it, Maggie. Certainly had an effect on me.
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From the first time I saw that photo to just seeing it again then for about the 30th time… Each and every time it has a powerful effect on me…
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It does.
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Meaningful post, which I’ve shared. Thanks, Tim.
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🙂
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It’s so difficult to look at this photo. And yet it’s a photo one should meditate and reflect on.
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Part of the world that shaped me.
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Somehow the ‘like’ button does no seem an appropriate response.
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I know. It’s a mind bender, something that has stayed with me all these years. No worries. You’re among friends here
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Tim, I’ve also been influenced by Buddhism. Not so much from the war but from living for 10 years in Thailand and the fact that my wife is Buddhist. I’ve study it and it still confuses me, but it sends a powerful message of how to live one’s life on Earth. I’m a Christian but do find life’s lesson in the path of Buddha
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🙂
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no words. the awareness followed me through childhood, and beyond. thank you for bringing it forward, to now.
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Every year, on the anniversary, I remember. It was such a huge influence on me.
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I remember seeing this photo when I was a teenager and being floored. It is beyond powerful. Thanks for sharing this post, Tim.
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Tim, this speaks volumes for who you are. Thank you for sharing it.
eden
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You’re a very intelligent, insightful person, Eden, but SSSSHHHH! Parts of my life just won’t stand up to scrutiny. 🙂
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I don’t believe that for a second 😉 xox
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I admit this is the first time I’ve seen this photo and it gives me chills to see someone sitting so calmly in the midst of fire.
Its influence on you is clearly visible though.
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Some turned their face away, hoping it would disappear. I couldn’t.
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