In Kyaukme, from killer to saint

The following reflection was written by a meditator in the vipassana tradition of S.N. Goenka, and is in our gratitude series. Please consider submitting your own!

“A few years ago, a Burmese friend suggested I go on a retreat in Kyaukme, in the northwest of the Shan state, organized by a friend of hers. The conducting teacher said I could only do the retreat if I had an interpreter. The organizer then spent considerable time arranging an interpreter. I was extremely lucky as my interpreter, Soe Soe, was a Dhamma teacher in her own right! She was highly developed in Dhamma and not only an excellent interpreter but also a teacher and subsequently friend, who generously gave her time and so much more. This would turn out to be one of many amazing people one encounters in Myanmar…

The ‘wow’ moment, which has lodged in the memory, was at the end of the retreat when a monk spoke on the microphone. He said that before he started meditation he had killed 6 people. I assume he was in the Shan army. He said that as a result of this, when he started meditation he suffered from excruciating pain. However he continued with his practice and now he was very calm and radiant. I saw him close up when I was a passenger in a car with him on a post retreat trip to the town of Lashio, some hours drive away. His radiance and peace was tangible.

When Soe Soe translated, I felt exhilaration. I thought, ‘Well the Buddha’s teaching really does work! You can commit the most heinous of crimes but if you practice well, then you can overcome even the suffering associated with such action… even in this life.’

And the opportunity to practice is very great in Myanmar, as there are fully enlightened teachers available and all the support needed to practice intensely is abundantly available.

It was an experience that made me realize that liberation is possible for anyone if they want it and are able to apply themselves and have the good karma to meet with supporting conditions.

When peace and democracy come to Myanmar, hopefully many people, including those traumatized by the worst of horrors, will benefit from the Dhamma and wisdom which seems to be in abundance there. May it be as soon as possible, for the benefit of Myanmar people and the world.”