It is sad to see the security situation in Myanmar (Burma) deteriorate recently. Even though I have never set foot on Myanmar, but I have benefited from many teachers from Myanmar, both in Medicine and Buddhism. Being a foreigner, it is impossible to truly understand the living situation and political situation in Myanmar. Recent violence is regrettable.
Many may ask if Buddhist Monks have a role to play in political arena. It may sound strange that this group of people who have renounce the world being involved in protest about a worldly issue.
Where do we stand as Buddhist? Do we support the Sangha (monks) being instrumented in changing the political course of a country? Should the Sangha make a political stand by refusing alms and offerings from anyone related to the military in Myanmar?
It is a sticky situation in Myanmar. There is no easy solution. Your opinion is valued, feel free to drop me a comment.
May the Sangha in Myanmar be guided by the Buddha Dhamma. May they act with wisdom and compassion. May they never be involved in violent act. May they be protected by their virtue. May they be free from harm and danger.
May the people of Myanmar have peace and prosperity.
Filed under: Buddhism, Provoking, Reflection | Tagged: Buddhist, Burma, Junta, Myanmar, Peace, Sangha
Someone fwd this in an email…
It takes a certain kind of vile to shoot at buddhist monks
They only offered you their loving kindness
In 1988 this certain kind of vile claimed 3 thousand
In 1978 this corrupting kind of vile killed one million
In 1945 this disgusting kind of vile had killed 6 million
In 2007 they were prepared to assail the saffron clad
They only offered you their loving kindness
I tell you when they took up the 227 rules of the Patimokkha
and offered their lives in blameless action
they sought no harm on others
It takes a certain kind of vile for the generals
to be willing to beat up, torture and kill the buddhist monks
They only offered you their loving kindness.
It takes the worst kind of vile there is
to beat up, maim and kill the buddhist monks
It is like ripping out your own heart
angry and hating it to be part of you
full of derision for the blood it feeds you
full of contempt for the life it gives you
And yet the still beating bloodied heart
these buddhist monks, of the Burmese nation
tells you the Generals and the Soldiers
We will pray for you and offer you our loving kindness.
By Khoo Hock Aun
http://incovar.blogspot.com/2007/09/support-monks-protest-in-burma.html
http://thestar.com.my/youth2/story.asp?file=/2007/10/3/youth2/19050067&sec=youth2
STATEMENT FROM THE BUDDHIST FELLOWSHIP SINGAPORE on Myanmar’s Violence Against the Monks
We view the monks and nuns who had led the peaceful protest in Myanmar with great admiration. It was certainly a show of courage and concern for the people of Myanmar. Had the monks not initiated the protest, many parts of the world would have remained silent and oblivious to the plight of the Myanmar people.
It is with sadness that the junta has responded violently to the peaceful monks. While some of the killers may never be brought to justice, however, they should be reminded that they would not escape the Law of Karma as we all reap what we sow.
The most admired non-violent protestor, Mahatma Gandhi, once said, “There are many reasons why I would give up my life but I can’t find a good reason to take a life”. It is hoped that the Myanmar Generals and soldiers who claim to be Buddhists would behave more like Buddhists. One of the 5 precepts a Buddhist observes is to “refrain from killing” and killing a monk is one of the most heinous acts.
It is time that the junta consider the welfare and happiness of its people and relinquish their power since neither their people nor the world have any respect left for their uncaring and intimidating style of governance.
The world, especially ASEAN and the United Nations, cannot sit by and just let the people of Myanmar continue to suffer.
Angie Monksfield
President
Buddhist Fellowship
9 Chwee Chian Road,
Singapore 117488
Outrageous protest
By roujinlim
http://weblog.xanga.com/roujinlim/618487349/outrageous-protest.html
*Sigh* My heart fell out for the Burmese in Rangoon, especially the monks. I feel sorry for this incident. I guess, all the violence shouldn’t have happened. I guess, all this violence started out of insecurity of the ruler. If only, we can be at peace with the protest. It would be a wonderful thing to happen.
Protest is also a way of communication – a more one-way communication. But it would be a wonderful thing if the Ruler would listen to their voice, and take it into consideration.
Peace — we are so lack of peace nowadays. Even with ourselves, peace sometimes is miles away. I think to create peace in this world, we should start it with ourselves. If we are at peace with ourselves, we can easily accept differences and disagreement in the outer world. It is really true. If you’re in a bad mood, you would easily get offended or angry, and because of that argument easily arises. On the other hand, if you are in a good mood, you wouldn’t sweat over small stuff. That is how peace within can create peace in the outer world.
Indeed, it’s mostly impossible to change the world. But by changing yourself, you can change your surroundings, and your surroundings would change theirs. It creates a ripple effect. And eventually, the range of people influenced is getting larger and larger.
So, let’s be at peace with ourself. Let go of the grudges, regret, remorse, and punishment. Accept whoever we are, and be at peace with it….
May all beings be happy
Outrageous protest
roujinlim
*Sigh* My heart fell out for the Burmese in Rangoon, especially the monks. I feel sorry for this incident. I guess, all the violence shouldn’t have happened. I guess, all this violence started out of insecurity of the ruler. If only, we can be at peace with the protest. It would be a wonderful thing to happen.
Protest is also a way of communication – a more one-way communication. But it would be a wonderful thing if the Ruler would listen to their voice, and take it into consideration.
Peace — we are so lack of peace nowadays. Even with ourselves, peace sometimes is miles away. I think to create peace in this world, we should start it with ourselves. If we are at peace with ourselves, we can easily accept differences and disagreement in the outer world. It is really true. If you’re in a bad mood, you would easily get offended or angry, and because of that argument easily arises. On the other hand, if you are in a good mood, you wouldn’t sweat over small stuff. That is how peace within can create peace in the outer world.
Indeed, it’s mostly impossible to change the world. But by changing yourself, you can change your surroundings, and your surroundings would change theirs. It creates a ripple effect. And eventually, the range of people influenced is getting larger and larger.
So, let’s be at peace with ourself. Let go of the grudges, regret, remorse, and punishment. Accept whoever we are, and be at peace with it….
May all beings be happy
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