Meditation Advice under Military Rule

“You’re here to meditate. You don’t know how long you can stay, but it’s not going to be long. So, begin to watch your mind.”

Alan Clements, a former monk in Burma, reflects on his decision to leave behind a comfortable life in the West for the pursuit of spiritual growth. Despite facing numerous challenges, including forced disrobings, deportations, and harsh living conditions, Alan persevered due to the promise of receiving profound teachings from renowned Burmese masters. In our podcast discussion from 2019, he discusses the growth of the mindfulness meditation movement, and emphasizes that the teachings of Mahasi Sayadaw and Sayadaw U Pandita cannot be confined to a rigid system but must be tailored to individual students.

Touching upon this quote in particular, Alan is referencing his time in Myanmar during the 1980s, when the country was under military rule, and the government implemented isolationist policies, closing the country to outsiders and restricting foreign influence. Obtaining visas to enter Myanmar became difficult, and the duration of stay for foreigners was uncertain due to the military regime's tight control. This created a challenging environment for meditators, as the vulnerability and introspection involved in meditation require stability and a conducive atmosphere. The fear of being forced to leave at any moment disrupted their progress and hindered the depth of their meditation experience. Limited contact with the outside world made it hard to seek guidance and connect with fellow practitioners. However, some meditators, like Alan, embraced the opportunity to practice here, drawn by the teachings of Burmese masters and the country's spiritual heritage. They displayed resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to fully engage in the present moment, despite these challenges. Practicing meditation in such a closed and unpredictable environment showcased their dedication and inner strength in pursuing their spiritual path despite external adversity.