There has has been an uptick in Tibetan Buddhist self-burnings.   This op-ed article from The Wall Street Journal puts the blame on the repressive Chinese govt, some commenters have different ideas.   We know China is extremely fussy about religion.  They will not let the Vatican appoint clergy in China, they insist on doing it themselves...so I can well believe they are being repressive about Buddhism.  

Really. The more I learn about three topics. the more they begin to enfold one  on another...

Taoism'

Buddhism

Quantum Mechanics.

They all say that everything is connected to everything.

It takes a while for stupendous ideas to change  the world

The world is not flat

It is not the center of the universe.

Every time it is examined the universe becomes larger and more complex.

Just came across these 2 fascinating videos about Science and Buddhism.  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj_i7YqDwJA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlmrHMBW36w&NR=1

Buddhist vs. Christian views on compassion with Bob Thurman and Marcus Borg.