Citation

Gouin M. Mortality 2014; 19(2): 176-183.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13576275.2014.894011

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Can one make a martyr of oneself? The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines 'martyr' as 'a person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs': can this definition be stretched to include those who kill themselves in what they appear to perceive as defence of their beliefs? Can a line be drawn to distinguish (self-inflicted) martyrdom from suicide? The question has relevance in light of the ongoing series of self-immolations in Tibet which started in 2011. Are these self-made victims 'martyrs'?. © 2014 Taylor & Francis.

Language: en

Keywords

martyrdom; Buddhism; self-immolation; martyr; Tibet; religious suicide; sacrifice; Tibetan Buddhism