[rhythmdevils]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ypoknons /img/forum/go_quote.gif I visited his monastery in Hue. They had the car there. It's strange... it's so peaceful there.

why is that strange? Isn't that the point?

 

[Pepsi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhythmdevils /img/forum/go_quote.gif why is that strange? Isn't that the point?

Well it would be kind of erie seeing the car that the monk was last seen in. And it was there while he burned himself to death. But then again monasteries always seem to have that peace in them.

 

[Wrist-Fi]

Quote:

It took six hours, 28 jumps, and a roomful of assistants throwing angry cats and buckets of water into the air to get the perfect exposure.

All I can say is that I'm amazed that guy didn't wind up having his face clawed to shreds...definitely the first thing I'd want to do had I been one of those pissed off cats.

 

[Ypoknons]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhythmdevils /img/forum/go_quote.gif why is that strange? Isn't that the point?

It's complex... I'm bit too busy with finals right now to really explore it, there's probably a lot of Buddhist philosophy I'm not familiar with... But on some sheer basic level, it's a monastery. They plant trees, huge fruits, beautiful grounds. A place to achieve vacuity and all that. And then, there's this car... Something that speaks of violence, and yet... was burning himself a violent act or something in the interests of peace and achieve of inner peace? My personal belief system is much more simple, but trying to understand what he did... is immensely difficult for me.

 

[davidhunternyc]

Andres Serrano, Piss Christ, 1987

 

[Head Injury]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ypoknons /img/forum/go_quote.gif It's complex... I'm bit too busy with finals right now to really explore it, there's probably a lot of Buddhist philosophy I'm not familiar with... But on some sheer basic level, it's a monastery. They plant trees, huge fruits, beautiful grounds. A place to achieve vacuity and all that. And then, there's this car... Something that speaks of violence, and yet... was burning himself a violent act or something in the interests of peace and achieve of inner peace? My personal belief system is much more simple, but trying to understand what he did... is immensely difficult for me.

Being a monk, I'd assume the act was to reach an absolute disconnection with the physical world, its wants and desires. I mean, what better way than to light yourself on fire yet remain calmly in meditation? Assuming he's a mahayana Buddhist, the act deservedly made headlines, thus spreading the enlightenment around too.

Actually, anyone know what sect of Buddhism he was? And anyone want to link to the video?

 

[Mad Max]

 

[Pepsi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Head Injury /img/forum/go_quote.gif Being a monk, I'd assume the act was to reach an absolute disconnection with the physical world, its wants and desires. I mean, what better way than to light yourself on fire yet remain calmly in meditation? Assuming he's a mahayana Buddhist, the act deservedly made headlines, thus spreading the enlightenment around too. Actually, anyone know what sect of Buddhism he was? And anyone want to link to the video?

He actually is a Vietnam Buddhist Monk, who committed self immolation to protest against the South Vietnam rule of the Ngo's. The story is very moving and inspiring. It's amazing how some people can be so passionate about what they believe in.


Self Immolation Protest


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E37cMtCrKoA

 

[rhythmdevils]

I just asked because it seemed like by your comment that you saw the monk burning himself as a violent act. But it's quite the opposite. It is calm and peace, and enlightenment in the face of utter ignorance and destruction. The flames could be a metaphor for war, or the politics he was protesting against.

Technically, he is breaking one of the most basic Buddhist vows in the final act of his life- killing (it's still killing even if you kill yourself). But it's impossible to say that he broke that vow without knowing what he knew, or saw, or felt.

 

[leveller1642]

I could go on........

 

[Pepsi]

That mass suicide ticks me off. It could have been prevented.

It amazes me what people can believe.

 

[Afrikane]

Hector Pietersen, certainly had a hand in changing the part of the world I live in.

 

[jax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidhunternyc /img/forum/go_quote.gif Andres Serrano, Piss Christ, 1987

How are you suggesting that Serrano's work changed the world? I truly doubt the vast majority of the population of the world are even aware of his work. Of the very few who are, I'd venture to guess the majority of those would rather forget they ever saw it or knew anything about it.

 

[chadbang]

So Piss Christ was a photo, not a sculpture? I didnt know that.

 

[jax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadbang /img/forum/go_quote.gif So Piss Christ was a photo, not a sculpture? I didnt know that.

Serrano worked in Cibachrome back then. From Wiki - his current work uses feces as a medium. I wish I could say I was sh#%ting you, but I'm not. Definitely some earth-shaking stuff there!