The Politics of Burmese Buddhist Monasteries
“Your every move, and political position of influence and dominance, will either set the stage [for] who gets what monastery real estate, and how many groups of monks will be placed in which region, and where you get to preach. It's a level of skill that I have never witnessed anywhere, and I've been in Washington DC for over a decade!”
On a recent podcast, Jack Myint reflects on his journey of cultural adaptation and political awakening, which began with a transformative State Department-sponsored program at a U.S. college during his teenage years. Coming from Myanmar’s traditional public schools, Jack encountered an intellectual awakening in the open, discussion-driven classrooms of the U.S., a stark contrast to the rigid and hierarchical education system back home. This newfound independence initially worried his mother, who, living under Myanmar’s repressive regime, urged him to pursue studies abroad for his safety and growth. Jack ultimately secured admission and scholarships to prestigious institutions overseas, setting him on a path to global engagement and a broader understanding of international politics and governance.
Jack also examines Myanmar's fraught political landscape with a nuanced and hopeful perspective. While he acknowledges Aung San Suu Kyi’s global acclaim, including her receipt of the Congressional Gold Medal during his college years, he does not shy away from critiquing her government’s shortcomings and the conditions that allowed the 2021 military coup to unfold. A strong critic of broad sanctions, Jack argues they often harm ordinary citizens more than the regimes they target, describing them as emotionally driven rather than strategically effective. Despite Myanmar's current struggles, Jack’s optimism shines through. He celebrates the resilience of the Burmese people, declaring, “Never underestimate the resiliency of the Myanmar people!” His unshakable belief in their ability to endure and rebuild is both inspiring and deeply rooted in his understanding of his homeland.
In the above quote, Jack's reveals the intricate interplay of religion and power in Myanmar, highlighting how even spiritual institutions are entwined in political dynamics. His observations expose a deeper layer of governance where the allocation of monastery land, the placement of monks, and the reach of sermons are part of a calculated system of influence. Spiritual institutions, traditionally seen as sanctuaries of refuge and moral clarity, are instead manipulated as tools of power. Jack’s reflection underscores the sharp political acumen needed to navigate this complex web of influence—a system so pervasive it left even a seasoned Washington insider like him astonished!
This sobering reality evokes both admiration for the intricate strategy involved and dismay at the moral compromises it entails. It forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: in Myanmar, power infiltrates every sphere of life, from government to the sacred spaces of faith. Jack’s perspective challenges us to view these dynamics not as isolated phenomena but as interconnected elements of a broader struggle for justice and resilience. His words serve as a clarion call to recognize these systemic issues and strive for a Myanmar where both governance and spirituality can coexist without being tainted by exploitation.