The Sitagu response
Please note that in the weeks after this post went up, more information has come to light. Please see this post for more discussion on this topic.
What is the response about the military coup in Myanmar from the country’s most famous monastic, Sitagu Sayadaw? Speculation built over screenshots from a few days ago that seemed to show him accepting offerings from military leaders following the coup at his Sagaing Hills Academy. Yesterday, Sitagu Academy released the following document (although it appears not to have been signed by Sitagu Sayadaw himself).
It can be translated roughly as follows:
1) The Sitagu missionary group has been engaged in benevolent activities, such public health and education, for the benefit of many, regardless of their races and faiths, for over 40 years.
2) Considering and witnessing the current political situation and actions that are deviating from the path of the teaching of universal truth (Dhamma) and heading toward the wrong path (Adhamma), the Sangha and the people of Myanmar are unhappy.
3) The Sangha of the Sitagu World Buddhist University shall not accept not agree with any actions causing unhappiness to the people.
4) Any organization which does not consist of individuals who promote non-violence are not considered to be in line with the teaching of universal truth (Dhamma). Only those organizations with individuals who promote and motivate peace and harmony are considered in line with the teaching of universal truth.
5. Therefore, we, the Sangha of Sitagu World Buddhist University seriously urge to take actions which are one with the teaching of the universal truth and in peaceful way to form a government that will not act against the will of the people of Myanmar.
In less than 24 hours, this has been shared and commented upon thousands of times. But what is its underlying message? If you think you’re just missing something in translation, that may not be the case. With only principles mentioned, and not referring to any individuals or acts, one is left to wonder who exactly is the group acting in accordance with the principles of the Dhamma and welfare of the people, and who is the one acting in a way that harms people, leads to unhappiness and suffering, and is against the principles of the Dhamma.
It's worth noting that this style of instruction on the principles of Dhamma is carried over from the way the Buddha would give his own discourses, in stressing values over worldly particulars, and so here we see an example of religious doctrine and scripture being quoted at the expense of engaging in any public guidance or caution about the current moment.
While Burmese lay society does not expect its monks to engage directly in the affairs of the world, but rather to provide ethical and spiritual guidance, this is a key moment in history to find the right words to say, for the benefit of all beings. Monks, we are all ears now.
