How was Thich Quang Duc able to burn himself to death without moving a muscle?
Thich Quang Duc's ability to remain motionless and silent during his self-immolation on June 11, 1963, is attributed to several factors:
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Meditation and Preparation: Thich Quang Duc had prepared himself through several weeks of meditation before the event. This mental preparation likely helped him achieve a state of deep calm and focus, allowing him to endure the extreme pain without reaction1.
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Spiritual Beliefs: In Buddhist tradition, such acts are sometimes seen as a form of sacrifice or protest, and the practitioner may view their body as a mere vessel. This belief system can provide a strong psychological foundation for enduring extreme physical pain12.
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Physical Endurance: The act of self-immolation is extremely painful, but some individuals may be able to suppress their physical reactions due to intense mental discipline or a belief in the righteousness of their cause4.
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Witness Accounts: Eyewitnesses, including journalists like David Halberstam, noted that Thich Quang Duc did not move or make a sound during the burning, which suggests a remarkable level of physical and mental control14.
These factors combined likely enabled Thich Quang Duc to maintain his composure during the self-immolation.