In long history of Burma, even starting from colonial time, monks in Burma are forefront of the people's struggle. in the context of Burmese Buddhism and Burmese history, monks demonstrating against Junta for the sake of people is an act of compassion and beacon of hope for Burmese people like me who are trying very hard to overthrow the yoke of military.
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Where Are The Monks?
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That some senior monks came out against the protests isn't surprising given the fact that Buddhism eschews politics and violence. Several abbots were uncomfortable with the spectacle of monks shouting political slogans, including calls to free jailed democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. But like most Burmese, they're equally uncomfortable with the regime's actions. The junta pressured abbots not to allow monks who had marched back into their monasteries. "Of course the abbots refused. Many monks are back here again," says one monk in Amarapura.
The regime may yet pay for its actions if they radicalize a group known for its pacifism. "Yes, they're cowed, yes, they're more terrified than they were before. But they're angry," says Villarosa. Asked what help he'd like from outside powers, a young monk in Mandalay forms a trigger with his finger and makes the sound of a gun being fired. "People have nothing," he says. "They ask the government for help and get nothing. What else can we do?"
© 2007
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