Nhat Chi Mai

The flower known as Chi Mai.

May 16, 1967 . Nhat Chi Mai immolated herself in Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, to protest the war.

"I offer my body as a torch 

to dissipate the dark

to waken love among all people

to give peace to Vietnam."

Viet Nam – It was Sister Mai’s wish for all religions to band together in hopes of creating peace throughout the world

Sister Mai's self-immolation death prompted Catholics and Buddhists to begin working harmoniously together in order to encourage further peace efforts.  Her death highlights the essential role of women in the peace efforts. Sister Mai's actions enhanced the position of women as well as inspired many others throughout the community and around the world to become active in the fight for peace.

Along with her extensive community involvement, Sister Mai was extremely opposed to the Vietnam War and was a major proponent for peace. On May 16, 1967, she immolated herself in the courtyard of Tu Ngheim Pagoda (a nunnery) in Saigon, South Vietnam.  Her action, which occurred during Vesak (the holiday celebrating the birth of Buddha), was to protest the ongoing Vietnam War. 

She left behind many writings and poems including this one:  

“I am only an ordinary Vietnamese

woman, without talent or ability. But

I feel pain every time I look at the

situation of my country. I want to say

that the empty words you have been

using, ‘to defend freedom and happiness

  for Vietnam’, have lost all their meaning . . . “

Before she died, Mai placed two statues in front of her, The Virgin Mary and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. In her poems she asked Catholics and Buddhists to work together for peace so that might realize the love of Jesus and the compassion of the Buddha.

It was Sister Mai’s wish for all religions to band together in hopes of creating peace throughout the world.

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