In Tibet, Buddhist monks self incinerate to draw international attention to what they believe is an unlawful occupation of their lands by the Chinese. In Sri Lanka they do it over cattle slaughter. Damn, so many seemingly more worthwhile reasons to sacrifice one’s life and this monk does it for cattle. Incredible power in this man, something most people, including yours truly couldn’t comprehend.

On May 24, 2013 a Buddhist monk identified as Venerable Bowatte Indraratana Thera set himself on fire in front of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka reportedly in protest of slaughter of cattle. The monk poured gasoline over his body and somebody (a helper?) struck a match. The monk was taken to a hospital in Kandy and later transferred to General Hospital in Colombo where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Videos of his self immolation:

Gallery of a few photos: