Forgive and Forget? Dhamma Under Fire in Myanmar

On June 22, 2024, Myanmar was rocked by the assassination of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa, a revered monk from the Win Neinmitayon Monastery, who was shot dead by the military junta. This tragic event has sparked significant outrage and controversy, particularly within the monastic community. The response from prominent figures like Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nyanissara, who called for forgiveness and tolerance for his murderers (and the junta bosses who ordered the hit), has only added fuel to the fire.

The assassination of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa occurred amidst 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 Muninda Bhivamsa, born in Paungde Township, Bago Region, dedicated his life to the study and practice of Buddhism from a young age. 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; he worked tirelessly to promote Buddhist culture, values, and meditation within the wider community. Throughout his life, Venerable Muninda Bhivamsa 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.

Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nyanissara, a prominent and influential monk with longstanding ties to the military, called on the nation to forgive, forget, and tolerate the assassination. Attending the funeral of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa, Sitagu Sayadaw seemed to be rehearsing regime lines when he emphasized 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. This 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.

Sitagu Sayadaw, a prominent Buddhist monk and the chair of the Shwegyin Nikaya, has historically enjoyed a reputation for his teachings and humanitarian work. However, his relationship with the military junta has always been a point of contention. After the coup in 2021, Sitagu Sayadaw's engagement with the regime became more overt. He was often seen in the company of military leaders and was known to make public statements that seemed to support the junta's narrative. His call for forgiveness in the wake of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa’s assassination is seen as the most blatant expression of his alignment with the military to date, and it has shocked many who once held him in high regard.

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. This incident is not an isolated one. The military's increasing hostility towards monks and religious figures is part of a broader strategy to consolidate power and silence dissent. By targeting influential monks, the junta aims to weaken the moral and spiritual resistance against its rule. The assassination of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa is a chilling example of the lengths to which the military will go to suppress opposition.

The broader implications of this event 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, and 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. 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 assassination of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa by the military junta and the subsequent call for forgiveness by Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Ashin Nyanissara underscore the deepening crisis in Myanmar. This regime is engaged in killing monastics in broad daylight and faces no impunity for their actions. They are literally getting away with murder and, in the process, are destroying the Dhamma. The Buddhist community and the broader public must stand together in resistance against this tyranny and work towards a future where justice and moral integrity prevail. The international community must also step up its efforts to support the people of Myanmar in their struggle for freedom and justice. The stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction are dire for the future of the country.