The recent peaceful demonstrations of the monks in various parts of Burma brought home to the world that the situation and poverty in the country is critical and have worsened to such a degree that even the peaceful monks cannot sit passively by any longer but have to do something to help their people.

Their peaceful, compassionate and courageous protests have touched the hearts and minds of Buddhists worldwide.

We watch with bated breath from near and far, concerned that the Burmese Army will not resort to violence against Burma’s members of the Sangha.

Burma’s majority are Theravada Buddhists, and for all good Buddhists, it is the sacred foundation of their upbringing, and as such they are taught from a young age that anger and retaliation are faults they should be aware of, and not encourage.

However, there is a limit to human suffering, and when it comes to a matter of survival and non-existence of justice and freedom in a country, there is a great need for the people to do something about it, hence the compassionate decision of the Sangha to carry out peaceful protests in various areas of Burma.

Monks are highly respected in a country such as Burma, and their influence is great among the old as well as the young.

Apart from these monks who went into action for the people, there are also very highly revered monks who prefer not to take part in these demonstrations. They are also following the holy path of the Lord Buddha, but choose to benefit their fellow man in a quiet, mindful and low key way, away from public scrutiny.

Like lay people, these monks are doing their work to help the country in different ways. Our support for them would be to pray for them.

Because of these highly observed and reported events, Burma is once again in the spotlight and the people of the world are sitting up and taking notice.

The Military Regime should bear in mind that every action they take, for or against the people of Burma is crucial, particularly at this time, and they are being closely monitored by the world. They will not get away with any brutality against these peaceful demonstrators.