By: Tettoe Aung

Tettoe Aung — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 08:26:52 +0000

You were not wrong Prof Noor when you said that,”…the political instrumentalisation of religion for clearly divisive and sectarian ends has further added scepticism for many who believe that religion is best kept out of politics and the public domain, where it is often abused.” However, what took place in Burma is different in a sense that when no action was taken by the head monks (appointed by the regime) of the Sangha Council it was left for the order to take up the social injustices occurring in Burma.
The Sangha (also as an organisation not devoid of its social justice role) is the moral authority which keep in check the power that be to good governance of its own people. This was not the case with the generals in Burma. The members of the Sangha Council have never spoken out against the military regime maybe out of fear or maybe fear of losing their patronage (danashin).
The monks in Burma were acting within their rights when certain circumstances allowed them to. In history we have monks like Sayadaw U Ottama and Sayadaw U Wisara who sacrificed their lives in fighting against colonialism.
As far as Buddhism is concerned, no one is forced to act on anything (that includes politics) because it is found in the scriptures or coming from an organised church. Buddhism does not limit the free exercise of one’s intellectual capacities but only indicates the path and method to achieve one’s goals. One can think for oneself, undeterred by traditions, conventions, bigotry or othordoxy. The teachings of Buddha are always open to scrutiny. Ehipassiko, come and see for yourself, says the Buddha.

Comments on: Burma’s Monks: Ethics is not confined to Books and Temples

By: Tettoe Aung