[NewMusic] Immolation

[Phillip Greenlief]

Sarah,

OK, perhaps admire isn't the right word - mostly because the act can be
viewed as one of a spiritual nature. It's an act of disintegration - an
act that will not allow the subject to remain indifferent to atrocities.
It's an extreme version of the opposite of "indifferent", I agree - and
that is what is so astonishing about it.

On the other hand, the sage knows that suffering is part of life and
realizes to wish it otherwise is foolish - the act of wishing something
is different than it is - is what an enlightened being resists - or
refuses to consider.

It is also possible to think of this individual as someone that felt he
needed to embrace the suffering and annihilation that is rampant in Iraq
by exterminating himself.

So perhaps astonished (how could it be otherwise?) is really the right
word. But still, after all is said and done - when is the last time
anyone astonished you with their spirituality? - (if I am perceiving the
act correctly - it's "correct" for me anyway) - you kind of have to
admire the guy...

PG


 



Phillip Greenlief
c/o Evander Music
PO Box 22158 Oakland, CA
94623-9991
www.evandermusic.com

-----Original Message-----
From: newmusic-bounces at music.mills.edu
[mailto:newmusic-bounces at music.mills.edu] On Behalf Of Sarah - 21 Grand
Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 2:26 PM
To: Banewmus List
Subject: [NewMusic] Immolation

Phillip wrote:
Sad news, and yet I can't help but admire a guy who would go so far to
make a statement about the insanity of our involvement in Iraq.

- Well, admire isn't the word I would use - I think as a political act
it
was a bit useless - though Rumsfeld did step down today, but I don't
think
it was because dude set himself on fire.

- Certainly it is impressive as an act of "performance art" - tops Chris
Burden getting shot in the arm or nailed to the Volkswagon. Darren and I
spent a bit of time at dinner last night discussing the ethics and
responsibility of his action.

sl

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