A Dhamma letter from Burma
The following is a submission from a Burmese yogi who wishes to remain anonymous.
“Since the military coup in Myanmar on 1 February 2021, I have been relying increasingly on the Dhamma, or teachings of the Buddha, to help me stay mentally balanced and peaceful. The Dhamma has always been a source of wisdom and comfort for me, but in these uncertain and stressful times, it has been an invaluable support.
There are many Dhamma lessons that have been helpful to me in staying calm and centered, but one of the most important has been the teaching that everything is impermanent. This teaching reminds me that nothing in this world is permanent, including the military coup. No matter how difficult and challenging things might be at the moment, this too shall pass.
Another Dhamma teaching that has been helpful to me is the teaching of non-self. This teaching reminds me that I am not my thoughts, emotions or experiences. I am not the victim of the military coup, I am not my fear or anxiety. I am not the anger or hatred that I feel towards those who have perpetrated this act.
This teaching has helped me to maintain a sense of detachment from the situation, and to remain calm and centered in the midst of chaos.
The Dhamma has also taught me the importance of staying in the present moment. This teaching has been helpful in reminding me that the past is gone and the future is not yet here. All that exists is the present moment, and if I can stay present, I can find peace in the midst of the storm.
Finally, the Dhamma has taught me the importance of compassion. In these difficult times, it is easy to become consumed by anger and hatred. But the Dhamma teaches us that these emotions only serve to make us suffer more. Instead, we should focus on cultivating compassion for all beings, including those who have caused us harm.
Compassion does not mean condoning the actions of others. It simply means recognizing that everyone is suffering, and that we all have the potential to awaken from the delusion of hatred and violence.
The Dhamma has been a great source of comfort and strength for me in these difficult times. I hope that by sharing some of the lessons that have been helpful to me, I can offer some support to others who are struggling.”
