Buddhism remains the heart and soul of Myamar, and monks are its most visible proponents. Besides being agents of faith, the monks have become symbols of change for the people of Myanmar as illustrated by their bold marches in several cities around the country this month. “The monks are the ones who give us courage,” one protester was quoted as saying this week.
It’s those brave monks that I continue to worry about this week, especially after hearing news of recent monastery raids and beatings in Yangon and Mandalay. It’s inexcusable to treat Buddhist monks in this manner, and I curse the authorities responsible for this disgrace. But as much as it angers me, I know the people of Myanmar are even more enraged by the mistreatment of the monks.
Venture down to the southwest corner of Mandalay, away from the chaotic main streets of the central city, and you will discover of a pocket of tranquility in the presence of many active Buddhist monestaries and old pagodas. Lines of red-robed monks walk the dusty roads throughout the mornings and afternoons, making alms rounds or just venturing out into the community. The largest monestary in town is Ma Soe Yein Nu Kyaung, home to over 2,700 studious monks. I’ve met many monks in this area over the past two years and I wonder if some of them were involved in the recent protest marches. Above all, I hope they are safe and have not been among those rounded up and jailed. My thoughts remain with these gentle souls.
