Episode 10, COVID-19 in Myanmar: Burmese Edition
The confusing new reality of our lives in this time of pandemic continues to sprout so many new shoots that professional journalists can scarcely keep up. From food supply issues to economic loss, from staggering death rates to diminished civil liberties, the news can sometimes feel like a gush of breathless, stream-of-consciousness, catapulting us into a world that few people understand. And just when we might think we have a handle on it, the beep or ping of our phone notification tells us it is changing again…
But while the avalanche of coronavirus-related news is relevant to everyone in its social, political, economic and health implications, there is an added dimension of concern for the dhamma practitioner. It often takes the form of such questions as: What should meditation practice look like during a pandemic? How do I work with the fear and panic that is now all around me, and maybe taking root within? How are meditation centers responding since they have been entirely shut down? How are foreign meditators and monastics who chose to stay in Myanmar faring? How are Burmese monasteries, with their strict codes of disciplines around food especially, managing when access to markets and supporters are drying up?
This is just some of the territory we get into during this and future Insight Myanmar podcasts on this new series, exploring how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting Burmese monastic society, impacting meditators around the world, and pushing teachers to respond in new and innovative ways to the crisis as it unfolds. In this time of uncertainty and insecurity, we hope the voices that follow provide information and insight, and help awaken the seeds of wisdom within you.
In this inaugural episode of our ongoing series about COVID-19 in Myanmar, the Burmese Edition, we present four local voices who describe their views and thoughts on the ongoing crisis, and reflect on how their Buddhist faith and practice informs their present experience. Similar themes run through these talks: personal kamma is contrasted with world events, Myanmar’s close proximately to China is mentioned, a sense of safety as a result of the Burmese government’s response to the crisis is expressed, and the power of mettā (loving kindness) is affirmed.
We first hear from local historian and monastic supporter Zaw Win Htet, who joins us from his small village of Chaung Oo, just outside of Monywa in northern Myanmar. Speaking vulnerably, he admits to being overcome with worry after news-binging on his mobile phone, and fearing that the virus would come to his town, and infect his parents and infant son. Following the advice of his former teacher, Maha Bodhi Hta Taung Sayadaw, he recites certain parittas, or protective suttas, to calm his mind, while wishing for mettā to spread around the world and help similarly distressed people. He ends by pointing out that as challenging as these times are, they present a special opportunity for meditators to observe their mind and body, and gain insight from the conditions that have arisen.
Next is the acclaimed translator and scholar Dr. Jenny Ko Gyi. A committed animal rights activist, she had already been aware of the animal markets in Wuhan, from where the COVID-19 virus allegedly originated. She expresses her overall concern for the treatment of animals there, particularly dogs. Concerning her own country, she admires how some leading Burmese Sayadaws, such as U Chekinda and Sitagu Sayadaw, have responded in leading the relief effort. She also points out that some monasteries have stopped their daily alms rounds and so have had to adjust by ensuring there is adequate food supplies for its monastics. Dr. Jenny notes that even now, many Burmese still practice the sharing of spoons during meals throughout the countryside, but adds that people in the city are beginning to be more careful. Overall, she comes back to discuss the power of karma, noting that those who have lived a blameless life may live with less fear of the external circumstances.
Following that, we hear from Inda Aung Soe, a former monk who, since disrobing, has founded an organic compost company, Bokashi Myanmar. Speaking to us from his home in Yangon, he describes how important it had been for him to re-enter lay society by finding an occupation that would serve humanity rather than only to enrich himself. Concerning the current crisis, he believes that composting is an effective response to the changing world, ensuring greater sustainability and independence. He finishes by noting a silver lining, commenting that with the decline in trade and tourism, the best local fruits—usually reserved for Chinese export—are at rock bottom prices, and fancy hotels have lowered rates enough that locals can afford to stay there.
Finally we wrap up our episode with Nay Zaw Tun, who as part of his job reports the daily statistics and growth of the COVID-19 pandemic in Myanmar. Nay feels that the relatively low number of cases now found in his country can be partly attributed to the high number of active meditative practitioners, as well as the powerful mettā being sent by the monastic population. Even so, he notes that not all Burmese wear a mask when going out, and feels that even stricter health standards should be followed across society.
Now a request for support: The initial funds that allowed us to set up this Insight Myanmar podcast came unexpectedly, and we did our best to stretch them as far as possible. Unfortunately, that generous startup donation could not have predicted the pressing need to meet the interest and concern many meditators have expressed about the situation at Burmese monasteries and meditation centers during this exploding health crisis. Most all podcast contributors work entirely as volunteers, and those few receiving remuneration are meditators who have offered 50% or more discount for their professional services. Nonetheless, there is still no real way to produce an episode for less than several hundred dollars. So: if you would like to hear podcasts that address this new content, or assist others to be able to access it, please consider making a donation!
Thank you for your support. Stay safe and be well!