A Nightmare in Ingyinbin
Webu Sayadaw, one of the most respected Burmese monks of the 20th century, was renowned for his emphasis on direct meditation practice, particularly ānāpāna, with the sole aim of achieving liberation from suffering. His spiritual journey was deeply tied to Ingyinbin, his birthplace and the location of the monastery and meditation center he founded. Ingyinbin has since became a pilgrimage site for meditators.
U Mandala, one of Webu's disciples, has continued the great master’s legacy at Ingyinbin Monastery by teaching meditation. Before the coup, he regularly welcomed both local and international meditators, helping spread, and ensure the enduring impact of, Webu Sayadaw’s teachings.
Since the military coup in Myanmar, however, even Ingyinbin's once peaceful atmosphere has been affected by the conflict. But this small, remote village had not experienced anything like it did last week, as our local contact shares in the following essay.
I spoke recently to U Mandala, and he told me about his nightmare and what he experienced over the last few days. On 26th - 27th of August, the occupying military junta’s camp at a nearby village called Madaung Hla was successfully liberated by the insurgent allies of the surrounding villages.
But in response, which is not unusual following a total loss, the military launched 12 air strikes over the area, some of which landed in Ingyinbin village, which is just 3 miles away from the camp. Soon, as reported via Radio Free Asia, the military’s reinforcements from the sugar factory in Htantabin-Zee Kone in Kantbalu Township arrived and hence, the attacks were even more intense.
Unfortunately, U Mandala’s chronic gout flared up during this terror, and required urgent treatment in the nearest town, Khin-U. But all the roads out of Ingyinbin were blocked because of the fighting. So U Mandala asked some of the insurgent leaders to allow him safe passage, but they could not guarantee it, and cautioned him to stay in Ingyinbin. U Mandala insisted that his condition had grown so dire that he was, in fact, dying, so they let him travel, with the caveat that he not return to the monastery until the fighting ceased and they could ensure his safety.
With U Mandala gone indefinitely, the monastic residents—mostly young novices—have dispersed: some were taken home by their parents; others have, sadly, disrobed; yet others went to other monasteries in safer areas (at least for now); the monastery’s nuns were sent to nunneries in nearby villages. There are 20 monks still staying on in Ingyinbin, but as further violence and air raids are anticipated, their safety is at risk.
Although U Mandala is physically safe, we do not know if his gout is being treated successfully. But when I spoke to him and expressed my deep sorrow and sympathy for this nightmare, U Mandala said that he was just one of the many people who are suffering. I can still hear his voice, sounding weak in his recovery from being at death’s door. He still sounded mentally strong, though.
We must do anything we can to support U Mandala! We must demonstrate our care for the ones who have cared about our spiritual welfare. Let’s show our spiritual bonds with this sacred land! Please send metta from afar.
For those wishing to aid in our effort to help this community, you may also earmark a donation for this cause.