One of the most critiqued figures since the February 2021 coup has been Sitagu Sayadaw. From not issuing full support to the democracy movement to being seen at pagoda consecrations with General Min Aung Hlaing to accompanying Vice Senior General Soe Win to Russia, many Burmese Buddhists have been disappointed by his words and actions. Many in fact became concerned years ago, particularly when Sitagu Sayadaw gave a speech before soldiers that seemed to justify their anti-Rohingya activity.

We will be welcoming an upcoming guest who is a monk who ordained under Sitagu, and has spent years working on his biography. While he has been largely disappointed with Sayadaw’s response, he also feels there is much that is misunderstood about him, and wants to speak openly and frankly about his first-hand knowledge, as well as the years he has spent by his side. He has made clear that he does not intend to be an apologist for Sitagu Sayadaw, and hopes that his talk can lead to greater monastic support of the democratic movement in Myanmar.

This will be a very unique opportunity for listeners, Burmese as well as foreign, to openly ask any question you wish concerning Sitagu Sayadaw and his relationship to the current crisis, as well as on the broader theme of the role of the Sangha at this time.

Please email us, or fill out the form below.

Sitagu Sayadaw and the coup