"When You See a Soldier, Don't Run Away."
The recent interview we had with Kyun Pin Sayadaw U Jatila was remarkable in many ways. One thing that stands out is how he strongly advocated for monastics to run away from the soldiers, but rather, and perhaps counter-intuitively, to run towards them. U Jatila made it clear that he sees his country’s monkhood as having a critical role in trying to resolve the violence being committed by a rampaging, often intoxicated military towards a vulnerable and defenseless village population. If there was ever an example of Engaged Buddhism in action, this is it. And as Better Burma is supporting the Sayadaw’s efforts, please consider a donation of any size to help his wonderful work.
“When the monks would see a big group of the army approaching, they were afraid”
“When you see the soldier, don't go; don't run away. You have to see them, talk to them. So, I explained that. But if you are very afraid, very scared to talk, please inform us. That’s why we now made the Sangha group. Usually, in every village when there is a monastery, usually one monk or two monks who stay there in town. So when they would see the big group of the army approaching, they were afraid. That's why the last week of the meetings we talked to each other about this.
The group of monks came to see the soldiers, and then to talk to the soldiers. I explained to them (the soldiers), ‘The monks are happy, because in the past, when the soldiers came, (a single monk) wouldn’t know how to talk (with them), because it is only one monk or only two monks. But now, we are a group.’
Those who are entering these meetings, we need each other, we have to call on each other. Then everyone comes immediately. When we do this kind of program, meeting with each other, sharing information with each other, in the future when we have a problem, (we know) how to help each other, sharing. I think then it is quite helpful. So when they are there (participate), they're more honest and prefer meeting.”