Faith

Shock Vid Shows Alleged Buddhist Nun Engulfed in Flames

Tibetan Rights Group Released Video of Buddhist Nun Engulfed in Flames

This image from video footage released by Students For A Free Tibet via APTN purports to show Buddhist nun Palden Choetso engulfed in flames in her self-immolation protest against Chinese rule. (AP Photo/Students For A Free Tibet via APTN)

BEIJING (The Blaze/AP) — A Tibetan rights group has released graphic video of what it says is a Buddhist nun engulfed in flames on a city street in one of several apparent self-immolation protests against Chinese rule.

The video, released Monday by Students for a Free Tibet, purports to show Palden Choetso, whose death on Nov. 3 in predominantly Tibetan Ganzi prefecture in Sichuan province had previously been reported.

The video shows a woman in nun’s robes standing on a street corner covered in bright red flames. She collapses to the ground after about 15 seconds.

Below, watch the disturbing clip (caution: graphic):

Additional footage shows about 10,000 mourners gathering at a monastery for a candlelight vigil on Nov. 6 to pay their respects to the 35-year-old nun while about 1,000 monks and nuns hold prayers inside.

The video also shows Chinese security forces in riot gear shadowing monks and nuns taking part in a protest march, and a column of armored paramilitary police patrol vehicles traveling down a country road. The New York-based Students of a Free Tibet said it obtained the video from sources in the region.

China restricts journalists’ access to Tibetan areas of western China and to Tibet itself, and it is nearly impossible to verify statements about conditions there.

At least 11 monks, nuns, and former monks have self-immolated this year in what are seen as acts of desperation in the face of tightening controls over Tibetan life and Buddhist culture.

Most ignited the flames while calling for Tibetan freedom and the return of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who fled to India amid an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.

China claims Tibet has always been part of its territory, but many Tibetans say the Himalayan region was virtually independent for centuries.

Authorities routinely deny Tibetan claims of repression, although they have confirmed some cases of self-immolations and accused supporters of the Dalai Lama of encouraging such acts. The Dalai Lama and representatives of the self-declared Tibetan government-in-exile in India say they oppose all violence.

Comments (82)

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  • ThomasUSA
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 1:58pm

    When you live in such a oppressed culture, and peace is your religion, there are few options to make a strong meaningful statement, that are non violent to others. It is meant to stir the thoughts of the citizens as well as the government. IMHO

    Report Post » ThomasUSA  
    • motonutt
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 2:56pm

      Belapelosi’s future in the afterlife. Only it won’t be self inflicted.

      Report Post » motonutt  
    • prov1
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 4:16pm

      and I thought my Mustang got bad gas mileage….Isn’t this green week? should have used 25,000 volts from a power line

      Report Post »  
    • jmresler
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 4:26pm

      I learned what the word ‘immolation’ meant at about age 6 when I saw a buddhist monk light himself on fire in protest of the VietNam war. His protest was quite effective. I wish muslim’s would learn the same lesson of protest.

      Report Post »  
    • chazman
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 6:42pm

      Ever since the Vietnam war I remember seeing Buddist’ do this … I can only wish and pray that they would stop doing it …

      Report Post »  
    • Lotus4115
      Posted on November 23, 2011 at 5:55am

      It is religion that affords the thought of an afterlife. Since religion can be proven to be human made from ancient myths and legends the idea of killing one self to effect change is foolish. A living breathing person can do more to change the world then a burnt out cinder.

      Report Post » Lotus4115  
    • 1casawizard
      Posted on November 27, 2011 at 6:51pm

      What a way to go.

      Report Post » 1casawizard  
  • awarestudent
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 1:33pm

    I don’t understand how killing yourself is supposed to make the government care about what you are fighting for. Is the government supposed to think “Oh my gosh, they just killed themselves over whatever issue. Since they feel so strongly about it, it must be the “right” way.”

    Or, is the government maybe thinking “Hmmmmm, if we let this go on long enough, they will all eventually kill themselves off and we won’t have to deal with them anymore. WINNING!!!!!”

    Report Post »  
    • karen162
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 3:42pm

      I agree. I don’t get it. Killing yourself does nothing to sway a Government that is Tryannical, and it only emboldens others to follow your lead until the opposition is all gone.

      However, hats off to her for being able to withstand that excrutiating pain for something she believed in. Call me crazy, but I couldn’t just stand there while I burn to death. Just sorry it was for nothing.

      Report Post » karen162  
    • Ari Ben TZion
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 4:35pm

      @awarestudent

      I believe you have answered your own question.

      Atheism is at the very heart of communism. Atheists believe man to be just another animal which is why the Chinese Communist government puts such a low value on human life.

      100 thousand Buddhist’s nuns or priests could set themselves on fire and the Chinese government would not even blink.

      Report Post » Ari Ben TZion  
    • Lotus4115
      Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:37am

      Ari Ben TZion
      Atheism in not the heart of communism you dolt and man is just an animal you idiot.
      Wake the hell up people. Some of the Founding Father were non-believers. Stupid people say the dumist things.

      Report Post » Lotus4115  
    • Ari Ben TZion
      Posted on November 23, 2011 at 3:50pm

      Did you forget to take your Chlorpromazine?

      Report Post » Ari Ben TZion  
  • Mattyboy
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 1:28pm

    That is frickin sick-not in a good way

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 12:56pm

    China is not the US? And, what out rages the Liberals of America… is just a matter of Subtraction in the Communist Mind!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • piper60
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 1:36pm

      power is at the end of the gun barrel, according to Mao.

      Report Post » piper60  
  • seesawprd
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 12:55pm

    I find some of these comments almost as disturbing as the subject. Agree with samiamtwo. There but for the grace of God go we. Once the Chinese have occupied the USA and shut down the press more will understand. But then again, once that happens what’s the point? Who would we ‘tell’? I think it was unbelievably brave action, and yes, I believe it is real.

    Report Post »  
    • barbpatton
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 1:56pm

      It is coming and the
      Chinese have long memories and are a very cruel race – I hope that a certain pinnochio will be one of the first that they get rid of – Great is the pity that people are so desperate to be heard by the Western world that they will resort to an agonizing death… Kamikaze nuns.. What a shame

      Report Post »  
  • Mr.Fitnah
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 12:35pm

    Fake .

    Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
  • 1111111
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 12:30pm

    I’ll bet that he watched the Obama Deception before deciding to light himself on fire…….It’s Alex Jones fault…..!!!NOT!!!
    Truth is a beeoch

    Report Post » 1111111  
  • normbal
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 11:28am

    Well, that’s 11 down, how many to go?

    Too soon?

    Report Post » normbal  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 11:45am

      You are a POS aren’t you?

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • Matt Marshall
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 12:58pm

      @Normbal… Time to wake up to the realities of the life and see that many folks around the world have never known the liberty you seem to take for granted. People living under the rule of such tyrants are put under so much pressure that they’d rather die a martyr than submit to the will of the state.

      Report Post »  
  • Jumper
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 10:37am

    I can understand dying for something you believe in. But I don’t undertand doing it this way. By doing it this way, you’ve taken yourself out of the fight. So, not only are you no longer able to try to advance whatever your agenda may be, but you aren’t even around to see if you and those like you have been successful in your struggle. I know they thinks it makes a point, but wasn’t your point, however it was received, made when you stood up and began your protest, of whatever, in the first place? It’s like the damn OWS crowd, we hear ya’, some parts(or all, depending on your views) of the system are corrupt and need to be fixed, but now you’ve said it and it was heard. Standing around for another 6 weeks or so, doesn’t make the message any more powerful. The people who you were directing your protest at, don’t care, and aren’t going to voluntarily do anything different, and you aren’t furthering your own goals by standing in the rain holding a sign. Go DO something, find a job, vote the evil-doers out, start your own company and run it the right way, SOMETHING. Standing around, or lighting yourself on fire, doesn’t really accomplish anything and in the end is really rather self defeating. Still, I’ll give her this much, lighting yourself on fire, takes a LOT of commitment and courage, and while I may not agree with her methods, I admire her conviction. Standing on a corner with a sign, doesn’t even come close, I don’t care how cold and wet it is.

    Report Post »  
    • JasonF
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 11:02am

      You can‘t ’vote evildoers out’ in China, or any Chinese-occupied country. ‘Getting a job’ and ‘fighting to further the agenda’ hasn’t drawn any attention to their plight. This has. Although I find it strange to have only seen this here… as my Democrat friend says when I criticize China: “…but it works for them.” I guess this is the new stance for view of China. Whatever they do is ok, because they’re doing ok?

      Report Post »  
  • itsmyfirstday
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 10:30am

    They have people willing to set themselves on fire to avoid communism and we have people voting for it…

    Report Post » itsmyfirstday  
    • Angelteam02
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 12:11pm

      Well Said….

      Report Post »  
    • neverfinal
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 12:20pm

      Maybe she would rather die this way then slowly by her Communist ruler. Sad, that this is their better choice. We to will have to make choices.

      Report Post »  
  • BigFoot
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 10:17am

    That’s gonna leave a scar.

    Anyone dumb enough to set themselves on fire for ANY reason has some personal issues. If you believe in “whatever” strong enough to take your own life, then you should be willing to spend all of your life fighting for that cause. It’s lots easier to off yourself (granted very painful) for a cause than it is to sacrific the remainder of your life for that cause. Although not as spectacular as setting yourself on fire, marching, going to jail, or preaching your beliefs works just as well.

    Report Post » BigFoot  
  • Bum thrower
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 10:12am

    A La the Viet Nam war; queston from Saigon; what uses 5 gallons of gas and goes no where?

    Answer; A buddist monk!!

    Same oh; Same Oh. sensless death; nothing changes…

    Report Post »  
  • kNOwKINGsmen
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 9:58am

    The world is suicidal, they smell their own extinction.

    Report Post » kNOwKINGsmen  
    • JohnGalt
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 10:22am

      Or some will do anything to be free.

      Report Post » JohnGalt  
    • your sensei
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 10:56am

      She’s obviously blocking traffic and causing a stir and breaking the law and making people uncomfortable. Somebody needs to spray her down with a fire hose, beat her with a truncheon, pepper spray her, and haul her away before she makes anybody else feel all poopy inside.

      Report Post » your sensei  
  • LOLReally
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 9:55am

    I know nothing of thier struggle. It is horrific that this lady felt she needed to do this. Truely saddening. The worst part is Snowleopard is right OWS will try and find someone willing to do this, or push a easily manipulated person.

    Report Post »  
    • ozchambers
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 10:05am

      This is very disturbing. I have a hard time understanding how this solves anything, but apparently in some parts of the world, acts like this can spark a revolution.

      Report Post » ozchambers  
  • nelbert
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 9:23am

    The callousness and indifference of some of the comments here is pretty shocking. This person died for her convictions – you see her last living moments. And the thought that floats to the top of your brain is to compare her with the Occupy bunch? Or to try and get a chuckle comparing her to the Olympic torch?

    Report Post » nelbert  
    • kennyg933
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 9:42am

      All around the world. people are looking for something with a sense of urgency. Most really don’t know what it is, but they are looking for a higher realm, a deeper meaning. We are all anxious, pensive, with a feeling that something is at the door of humanity. It’s in the press, it’s in the churches, it‘s the buzz of the ’over the garden fence’ conversations. Something is about to happen. We all can feel it. Even my kids talk about the feeling and they are elementary school aged. Let’s all stick together and get over the petty bickering about dogma and party. I have the feeling that we are all going to be affected by whatever is in the air. It is not really clear why this woman felt like torching herself, but she clearly wanted to be that person who acts-out the old phrase, “stop the world, I want to get off.” This was her exit. Instead of jumping like rats off a burning ship, let’s be like the honorable captian and stay on board. Who knows, it may not be the end, but a new beginning.

      Report Post »  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 9:46am

      Human nature is weird…in the 60′s at college we had someone who poured gas all over himself and a crowd grew and encouraged him to set himself on fire…Chanting…

      Well this guy, Burlowitz, is like a brainake…very very smart. He did it to prove the reaction of the crowd. His wife, Wendy Berlowitz, was the first lady to sell her bra at the Brown Durby in Cali…she was the first woman to teach in the nude at the University of Oklahoma…just to see the reaction. A man did the same before she disrobed about a week before at OU…

      Anyhoo, ta interweb allows people to behave much like a crowd…to be expected…

      As for the nun protesting oppression…I could not be so brave to do such…and they definitely are the oppressed masses in the billions…if a protest catches on fire there…duck and cover. jimho

      And who do we have to thank for ALL of this, Obama and Soros…facilitators of evil. Ushering in global madness. A cauldron of goats head soup coming to a raging boil.

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 9:54am

      Om Mani Padme Hum.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • SCARY
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 10:14am

      @Nelbert-Aren’t you glad that these are the people who are supposed to be on our side?It sucks,but when the SHTF ,these are the ones we’re gonna have to keep the sites on.Literally.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 10:57am

      SamIamTwo

      Mob psychology. It was really popularized by the Joelma building fire in Sao Paulo of 1974. If people shout “Set yourself on fire” or jump, how intelligent can they really be. I would say they are not. I would say they are no different or no more advanced than a nematode or earthworm.

      Well there is one difference. People in that gullible state can be used by other people to further an agenda. And like a tool they can be thrown away afterwards.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 11:18am

      Wendy Berlowitz

      http://irritatedtulsan.wordpress.com/2009/03/11/forgottentulsa1970/

      Report Post »  
  • SBR308
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 9:15am

    How does this change the communist mind. They just think you are stupid for killing yourself.

    Report Post »  
    • JasonF
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 11:05am

      I agree. It only reinforces the communist ‘religion is poison’ mantra. But I don’t think that it was to change their mind so much as it was to draw attention from a worldwide audience.

      Report Post »  
  • Harryc123
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 9:14am

    All I hear in this video is a lot of whooping and hollaring. Sounds more like New Orleans.

    Report Post » Harryc123  
  • branch manager
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 9:14am

    Nothin says “love” like settin yourself on fire.

    Report Post »  
  • FedUpinIndiana
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 9:01am

    Regarding the headline for the story, is the person in the story allegedly a nun, allegedly a Buddhist or allegedly in flames? Just trying to clarify.

    Report Post »  
    • RRFlyer
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 9:51am

      Yeah, most of the headlines are misleading

      Report Post »  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 8:59am

    Nah………I suspect video tricks. People are whooping and hollering like they just won a ball game, instead of crying in horror for someone who just committed suicide.
    Can we get some OWS protesters to use this method?

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 9:13am

      It‘s not out of the question I’m afraid. I’ve been waiting for it and am semi surprised nobody has done it yet.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 8:58am

    Mr Obama must be loving the Chineese every time he sees these videos; only he hopes to see the OWS start to self ignite for their use as ‘useful idiot martyrs’.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • notmeatglennbeckdotcom
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 8:56am

    Nah. That’s just the torch leaving Beijing from the last summer games on its way to London for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

    Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 8:50am

    .
    I think she watched an Obama video, saw the Hope & Change. Then set herself on fire…..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • NEAF
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 8:49am

    And your point is?

    Report Post » NEAF  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on November 22, 2011 at 8:46am

    …with any luck…the Occupy people will learn from this nun……..

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 8:50am

      And if they do, I have no doubt many posters here will cheer. And then call for any who survive to be charged with arson.

      Report Post »  
    • GeorgeWashingtonslept here
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 8:55am

      LOL…………good one!

      Report Post »  
    • teddrunk
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 8:59am

      Locked…NO, if they‘re Occupy dirty hippies I’ll be asking…Regular…or Extra Crispy….

      Report Post »  
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