WUNRN

http://www.wunrn.com

 

May 16, 1967

 

Nhat Chi Mai immolated herself in Saigon,
the capital of South Vietnam, to protest the war.

"I offer my body as a torch
to dissipate the dark
to waken love among all people
to give peace to Vietnam."

 

Viet Nam – It was Sister Mai’s wish for all religions to band together in hopes of creating peace throughout the world

 

Sister Mai's self-immolation death prompted Catholics and Buddhists to begin working harmoniously together in order to encourage further peace efforts.  Her death highlights the essential role of women in the peace efforts. Sister Mai's actions enhanced the position of women as well as inspired many others throughout the community and around the world to become active in the fight for peace.

SISTER MAI 

http://buddhistwomen.pbworks.com/f/1228784463/0516.1967_Nhat-Chi-Mai-flow.jpg 

The flower known as Chi Mai. 

Background: 

Nhat Chi Mai was born in the early 1930’s as a privileged daughter of a well-to-do family in Vietnam. She was a student at the Buddhist Van-Hanh University and devoted much of her time to the School of Youth for Social Services (SYSS).  She was also a member of the Order of Interbeing, which is an engaged Buddhist order founded by Thich Nhat Hanh. This particular Order focuses on creating unity between disparate groups. During Sister Mai’s time, the Order focused on bringing together the Catholics and Buddhists of South Vietnam in a peaceful manner.  

Protests: 

Along with her extensive community involvement, Sister Mai was extremely opposed to the Vietnam War and was a major proponent for peace. On May 16, 1967, she immolated herself in the courtyard of Tu Ngheim Pagoda (a nunnery) in Saigon, South Vietnam.  Her action, which occurred during Vesak (the holiday celebrating the birth of Buddha), was to protest the ongoing Vietnam War. 

She left behind many writings and poems including this one:  

“I am only an ordinary Vietnamese

woman, without talent or ability. But

I feel pain every time I look at the

situation of my country. I want to say

that the empty words you have been

using, ‘to defend freedom and happiness

  for Vietnam’, have lost all their meaning . . . “

Connections with other religions: 

Before she died, Mai placed two statues in front of her, The Virgin Mary and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. In her poems she asked Catholics and Buddhists to work together for peace so that might realize the love of Jesus and the compassion of the Buddha. 

It was Sister Mai’s wish for all religions to band together in hopes of creating peace throughout the world.

After her death  

Sister Mai's death prompted Catholics and Buddhists to begin working harmoniously together in order to encourage further peace efforts.  Her death, a great loss, highlights the essential role of women in the peace efforts. Sister Mai's actions enhanced the position of women as well as inspired many others throughout the community and around the world to become active in the fight for peace.