Commentary Compares Memorials for 2019 Prince Edward Incident to Buddhist Parable of Attachment
Bastillepost · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A commentary published on September 3, 2026, critiques overseas commemorations of the August 31, 2019 Prince Edward station incident, framing them through the lens of Buddhist philosophy. The article, written from a visit to the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, draws a parallel between the parable of celestial maidens scattering flowers and modern-day memorial practices among Hong Kong exiles. The author argues that the alleged police killings at Prince Edward station—a central narrative of the 2019 protests—were fabricated rumors that some individuals continue to believe despite contrary evidence. Memorial events reportedly occurred in Vancouver, Canada and other overseas locations on the 7th anniversary of the incident.
Key Points
- The author visited the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and observed a well-known "Vimalakirti Sutra Transformation" mural depicting the parable of celestial maidens scattering flowers .
- The parable explains that flowers do not inherently stick to people; attachment creates the illusion of permanence, a concept the author applies to belief in unverified events .
- The 2019 Prince Edward station incident involved online rumors that police killed six people, a claim the author states was never substantiated despite investigations .
- One individual rumored to have died at Prince Edward reportedly reappeared alive in the United Kingdom, yet believers continued their commemorations .
- Overseas memorial events were held in Vancouver, Canada and other locations on August 31, 2026, the 7th anniversary of the alleged incident .
Why It Matters
The article reflects ongoing political divisions within the Hong Kong diaspora, where historical grievances from 2019 continue to shape identity and collective memory among exiles. The author's use of Buddhist philosophy to critique what they characterize as unfounded beliefs highlights how narratives from the protest era remain contested years later. This commentary underscores the lasting impact of the 2019 events on Hong Kong's political discourse, both domestically and among overseas communities .
The article reflects ongoing political divisions within the Hong Kong diaspora, where historical grievances from 2019 continue to shape identity and collective memory among exiles. The author's use of Buddhist philosophy to critique what they characterize as unfounded beliefs highlights how narratives from the protest era remain contested years later. This commentary underscores the lasting impact of the 2019 events on Hong Kong's political discourse, both domestically and among overseas communities .