Forgive and Forget? Dhamma Under Fire in Myanmar
We share the following essay submission from an author who wishes to remain anonymous. Photo credit: Win Nein Mi Tar Yon Monastery
On June 22, 2024, Myanmar was rocked by the assassination of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa, a revered monk from the Win Neinmitayon Monastery, by the military junta. This tragic event has sparked not only outrage, but controversy, particularly within the monastic community. The shocking response from prominent figures, especially Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nyanissara, a prominent Buddhist monk and the chair of the Shwegyin Nikaya, has only added fuel to the fire.
The assassination of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa occurred amid escalating violence and repression by the State Administration Council (SAC), led by General Min Aung Hlaing. The junta's increasing brutality has targeted not only political opponents but also religious figures who are seen as moral authorities and potential threats to their power. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa, a respected figure within the Shwegyin Nikaya, was known for his teachings and his dedication to the Buddhist community. His death is a stark reminder of the junta's ruthless crackdown on dissent and the lengths to which they will go to maintain control.
As told in a recent post, Venerable Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa, was born in Paungde Township, Bago Region, and dedicated his life to the study and practice of Buddhism. Renowned for his profound knowledge of Buddhist scriptures, he was deeply committed to spreading the teachings of the Buddha. His contributions extended beyond monastic education, as he worked tirelessly to promote Buddhist culture, values, and meditation within the wider community. Throughout his life, Venerable Munindabhivamsa played a pivotal role in establishing and developing numerous monastic schools and institutions. He authored several significant works on Buddhist philosophy and practice, which have been widely used as teaching materials in monastic education. His writings, including detailed commentaries on canonical texts, are highly regarded for their depth and clarity, providing valuable insights into Buddhist teachings.
Speaking at the funeral, Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nyanissara called on the nation to forgive, forget, and tolerate the assassination, while emphasizing the importance of unity and national stability. He urged monks and laypeople alike to overlook the killing and work together with the military regime, who illegally took control of the country in 2021 and have continued a campaign of corruption, terror, and extreme violence against a civilian population. He basically just parroted regime talking points. While he once enjoyed a reputation for his teachings and humanitarian work. his longstanding ties to the military has undermined his credibility, and his call for forgiveness has been met with outrage from many within the monastic community and the broader public. Critics argue that Sitagu Sayadaw's stance effectively legitimizes the junta's actions and undermines the moral authority of the monastic order en masse. His comments have highlighted the deep divisions within Myanmar's Buddhist community and the complex interplay between religion and politics in the country.
The Spring Revolution Monks’ Network, a group of monks opposed to the military regime, has been particularly vocal in its condemnation of Sitagu Sayadaw's comments. Members of the network argue that his call for forgiveness is a betrayal of Buddhist principles and a clear indication of his alignment with those who are destroying the country. They emphasize that the military's actions are not only politically motivated but also a direct attack on the Buddhist community and its values, and that this particular incident is not an isolated one. They say that the military's increasing hostility towards monks and religious figures is part of a broader strategy to consolidate power and silence dissent, and that the assassination of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa is a chilling example of just how far the military will go to suppress opposition..
By targeting influential monks, the junta aims to weaken morale and spiritual resistance against its rule, and the consequences of this campaign are profound. The military regime in Myanmar is not only engaged in widespread violence and repression, but is also systematically undermining the moral and ethical foundations of the society. By targeting monks and religious leaders—murdering them in broad daylight by direct assassination no less—the junta is eroding the traditional role of Buddhism as a source of moral guidance and resistance against injustice. This strategy has far-reaching consequences for the social fabric of Myanmar. The monastic community, traditionally seen as a bastion of moral authority, is only further deeply divided. Figures like Sitagu Sayadaw are seen as betraying the very principles they are supposed to uphold. This division weakens the collective power of the monastic community to act as a moral counterbalance to the regime's excesses.
Moreover, the military's actions are having a devastating impact on the broader Buddhist community. By killing respected monks and attacking religious institutions, the junta is sowing fear and uncertainty among the population. This climate of fear undermines the ability of the community to organize and resist the regime's oppressive policies.
Finally, the international community must take note of these developments! The assassination of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa and the response from figures like Sitagu Sayadaw, highlight the urgent need for international intervention and support for Myanmar's civil society. The military regime's actions are not only a violation of human rights but also an attack on the cultural and spiritual heritage of the country. The stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction are dire for the future of the country.