Before 1963, most Americans could not point to Vietnam on a map. They knew very little about the Asian country on the other side of the world that rarely made the news.
However, that year, it would change when a Buddhist monk sparked a chain reaction that changed the world forever.
Background
Thích Quảng Đức was a prominent member of Buddhism in Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, where he resided, Buddhists comprised about 90% of the country’s religious composition. Roman Catholics made up most of the remaining 10%.
Vietnamese President Ngô Đình Diệm was a member of the Roman Catholic minority. While in office, he pursued policies that favored Roman Catholics and discriminated against Buddhists. Land, business, tax concessions, and military careers all began favoring Roman Catholics and excluding Buddhists. Many Buddhists in the army were denied a promotion unless they converted to Catholicism.
The May Protest
By May 1963, President Diệm’s policies had grown worse against Buddhists. Prior to a large Buddhist holiday known as Vesak, Diệm banned the flying of Buddhist flags. Just days before, he had encouraged the flying of Vatican flags.
Buddhists across the country were enraged. A large group of protesters gathered on May 8th in the city of Hue, waving many Buddhist flags in the air. Government forces arrived to put the protest down and eventually opened fire on the Buddhists. Nine people were killed in the mayhem.
Many Buddhists finally had enough, as the number of protests was increasing across the country. President Diệm denied any responsibility for the killing of Buddhists. This was the final act for Thích Quảng Đức.
The Burning Monk Event
On the morning of June 10th, American reporters were informed that “something important” would happen the following morning in Saigon. Most of the reporters ignored the message, as the Buddhist protests had been ongoing for over a month. However, a few reporters did decide to show up and see just what would happen. That included American journalist Malcolm Browne.
The event began when 350 Buddhist monks arrived at a busy intersection in the city, just a few blocks away from the presidential palace. The large group carried banners that, in both Vietnamese and English, denounced the Diệm government and demanded religious equality.
Thích Quảng Đức then emerged from a car with two other monks. One monk placed a cushion at the center of the intersection, while the other grabbed a five-gallon petroleum can. Quảng Đức sat down on the cushion in the traditional lotus position, entering a deep meditation. The second monk then poured gasoline on top of Quảng Đức as he sat there, calmly. After reciting a few words, Quảng Đức struck a match and dropped it in his lap.
Flames erupted and consumed his robes and flesh. The crowd began to panic. People were yelling and screaming, all while the burning monk sat in silence. When the fire department arrived, the large group of Buddhists blocked their path, allowing Quảng Đức’s act to finish. A nearby monk proclaimed that Quảng Đức had become a martyr.
Meanwhile, Quảng Đức never moved a muscle. He never uttered a sound as his body melted away.
Many, including Malcolm Browne, watched in shock as the smell of burning human flesh filled the air. After ten minutes, a group of monks covered the smoldering remains in yellow robes, inserted them into a coffin, and departed. A crowd of over 1,000 people followed Quảng Đức’s remains away from the scene.
Aftermath
Many wondered just how Thích Quảng Đức was able to endure such immense pain without showing signs of it. His outward composure was a sharp contrast to the wailing people around him. Yet, the burning monk was able to accomplish this through deep meditation known as dhyana. Through years of practice, Quảng Đức was able to calm his mind enough to never feel pain.
Browne stated that “I don’t know exactly when he died,” since the burning monk’s calm face became so blackened and charred that it was unintelligible. Browne was able to capture a photo during the event, which became the most well-known photo of the burning monk. The photo also became widely controversial and was used many times as a symbol of rebellion.
President Diệm attempted to quiet the growing Buddhist uprising, but after the burning monk event, it was too late. Browne’s photo had reached the United States and was soon on the cover of newspapers around the world. Many Americans, shocked by the graphic photo, now wanted justice for Buddhists in Vietnam.
The issue was no longer solely Vietnam’s, but also America’s. When the photo was placed on American President John F. Kennedy’s desk, he saw it and exclaimed “Jesus Christ!” The American president knew something needed to be done. Ambassadors from the U.S. pressured Diệm to meet the demands of the Buddhists, which the Vietnamese president eventually submitted to.
This, however, was not enough for the Buddhists. Many in Vietnam, and even the United States, wanted to see Diệm’s government toppled. That finally happened on November 1st, when Diệm was assassinated.
Conclusion
Thích Quảng Đức, also known as The Burning Monk, sparked an uprising that toppled the Diệm government. He also ignited a chain reaction that would lead to American involvement in the coming Vietnam War. Nevertheless, Quảng Đức stood up for Buddhism and proved that he would risk anything to see life around him improve. After the burning monk event, most Americans could now point to Vietnam on a map.
