'On The Fire Suicides Of The Buddhists' by Charles Bukowski
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"They only burn themselves to reach Paradise"
- Mne. Nhu
original courage is good,
motivation be damned,
and if you say they are trained
to feel no pain,
are they
guarenteed this?
is it still not possible
to die for somebody else?
you sophisticates
who lay back and
make statements of explanation,
I have seen the red rose burning
and this means more.
Submitted by Fritz
Editor 1 Interpretation
On The Fire Suicides Of The Buddhists by Charles Bukowski
Wow, what a poem! Charles Bukowski certainly knows how to pack a punch with his writing, and "On The Fire Suicides Of The Buddhists" is no exception. This poem is a raw, powerful exploration of the human experience and our relationship with death.
Interpretation
At its core, "On The Fire Suicides Of The Buddhists" is about the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. The Buddhists in the poem are driven to suicide by their realization that life is ultimately meaningless and that they will never achieve enlightenment. The fire suicides represent their attempt to escape the cycle of suffering and attain a state of blissful nothingness.
But Bukowski doesn't glorify this act of self-destruction. Instead, he shows us the horror of it all, the grisly reality of burning alive. He writes, "the screams melted into the flames / of the ten thousand who had died / this way before." The repetition of "this way" emphasizes the point that this is not a unique event, but rather a recurring tragedy that has taken place countless times before.
And yet, there is a strange beauty to the poem as well. Bukowski's language is vibrant and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the scene. He describes the "golden robes burning like suns" and the "gongs and chimes ringing like waves crashing on a distant shore." He captures the sensory experience of the moment, even as he exposes its horror.
Literary Criticism
Bukowski's style in "On The Fire Suicides Of The Buddhists" is characteristic of his broader body of work. He uses simple, direct language and focuses on the gritty realities of life. His writing is often described as "raw" or "gritty," and this poem is no exception. Bukowski doesn't shy away from the gruesome details of the fire suicides, but rather leans into them to create a visceral, emotional impact.
At the same time, there is a sense of detachment in the poem. Bukowski doesn't pass judgment on the Buddhists or their decision to take their own lives. Instead, he simply observes and reports on what is happening. This detachment creates a sense of distance between the reader and the events of the poem, allowing us to engage with the emotions it evokes without becoming overwhelmed by them.
One of the most interesting aspects of "On The Fire Suicides Of The Buddhists" is the way it incorporates Buddhist themes and philosophy. The poem is clearly informed by Buddhist ideas of suffering, impermanence, and the quest for enlightenment. But Bukowski doesn't approach these concepts from a place of reverence or awe. Rather, he treats them as part of the human experience, something to be observed and contemplated. This approach creates a sense of universality to the poem, as it speaks to the human condition more broadly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "On The Fire Suicides Of The Buddhists" is a powerful, evocative poem that grapples with the big questions of life and death. Bukowski's writing is raw and visceral, but also detached enough to allow readers to engage with the emotions it evokes. The incorporation of Buddhist themes adds depth and complexity to the poem, making it a rich and rewarding read for anyone interested in exploring the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
On The Fire Suicides Of The Buddhists: A Poem of Despair and Hope
Charles Bukowski, the American poet and novelist, is known for his gritty and raw writing style that often explores the darker aspects of human nature. In his poem "On The Fire Suicides Of The Buddhists," Bukowski delves into the theme of suicide and the search for meaning in life. The poem is a powerful commentary on the human condition and the struggle to find purpose in a world that can often seem meaningless.
The poem begins with a description of the fire suicides of the Buddhists, a practice in which Buddhist monks would set themselves on fire as a form of protest or self-sacrifice. Bukowski describes the scene in vivid detail, painting a picture of the flames and the smoke rising up into the sky. The imagery is haunting and powerful, setting the tone for the rest of the poem.
As the poem progresses, Bukowski explores the idea of suicide and the reasons why people might choose to take their own lives. He describes the pain and suffering that can lead someone to such a drastic decision, and the sense of hopelessness that can come with it. But he also offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that there may be a way out of the darkness.
Bukowski writes:
"but there is always a way out and the way out is through the door and through the door is the real world the sunflowers and the snow and the roads that go anywhere you want to go"
Here, Bukowski suggests that there is a way out of the darkness, and that it lies in the beauty of the world around us. He encourages the reader to look beyond their pain and suffering and to find meaning in the simple things in life, like sunflowers and snow.
The poem also touches on the idea of religion and spirituality, and the role they can play in helping us find meaning in life. Bukowski writes:
"and if you're religious or if you're not it's still better than rolling up your blankets and rolling yourself up into a question mark and dying like a dog on a pile of dirty laundry."
Here, Bukowski suggests that even if we don't believe in a higher power, it's still better than giving up on life altogether. He encourages us to keep searching for meaning, even in the face of despair.
Overall, "On The Fire Suicides Of The Buddhists" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of suicide, despair, and the search for meaning in life. Bukowski's raw and gritty writing style is perfectly suited to the subject matter, and his use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a haunting and unforgettable reading experience.
In the end, the poem offers a message of hope and resilience, encouraging us to keep searching for meaning even in the darkest of times. It's a message that is as relevant today as it was when Bukowski wrote the poem, and one that we would all do well to remember.
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