Statements from Buddhist Communities in Support of Monks and Nuns in Burma
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Buddhist Peace Fellowship Statement in Support of Monks’ Protest in Burma
September 20, 2007
For the last week, thousands of Burmese monks have marched against the repressive Burmese military regime in cities across that nation. This is the largest public demonstration against the junta in nearly 20 years. As the Alliance of All Burmese Buddhist Monks march, chant, and overturn their almsbowls (patam nikkujjana kamma), refusing to accept donations from members of the military regime, the Buddhist Peace Fellowship offers our full support and solidarity.
Burma has lived under direct social and political repression for nearly 20 years, since the democracy uprisings of 1988. The army’s answer to the people’s yearning for freedom in 1988 was the killing of thousands of demonstrators. This repression has in no way abated over the years, bringing with it ethnic cleansing of minority groups, corruption, forced labor, and widespread poverty.
On Tuesday, September 18, 2007, monks demonstrated in cities across Burma. In Sittwe, west of Rangoon, they faced tear gas and gunfire before dispersing. According to reports from exile groups in Thailand, some monks were beaten and arrested. On Wednesday, September 19, more than a 1000 monks in Rangoon marched and briefly occupied the Sule Pagoda in the center of the city, after being barred from the famous Shwedagon Pagoda.
Day by day, we closely follow this news from Burma. These non-violent demonstrations by Buddhist monks are expressions of compassion at a time when the already impoverished nation is staggering under August’s government mandated price hikes. Burma's monks have historically used techniques on non-violence against oppression. They initiated civil disobedience against British colonialists. They were visible and central in the movement of 1988. In 1990, the sangha declared patam nikkujjana kamma and the government crackdown saw more than 130 monasteries raided, and at least 300 monks forcibly disrobed, arrested, imprisoned, and tortured. As truly engaged Buddhists, Burma’s monks have earned the trust and respect of their nation. Today, they are leading the way to democracy and human rights.
Win Min, a Thai-based Burmese analyst, said the generals were cautious about stirring a public backlash if they acted against the clergy. "It's a dilemma for the junta. If they don't crack down on protests by monks, more people will join protests. But if they do, it could trigger massive public outrage against the government," he said.
We call on all our friends in the international Buddhist community support Burma’s monks as they take a stand for liberation and the end of military rule in this suffering land. We urge Burma’s leaders to meet the monks, and all the millions yearning for freedom with open eyes and ears, and with all weapons set aside. Then Burma will again find its rightful place as a beacon of freedom and dhamma in the world.
written by Rev. Hozan Alan Senauke, associate director
and joined by
Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, executive director
on behalf of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship community
Sept 24, 2007: Postscript
Since releasing our initial statement, several people have contacted BPF with questions and concern about acts of violence that occurred earlier in September in Burma, when a group of monks from Pakokku’s central Mahavithutarama monastery locked 20 government officials inside the compound and set fire to four vehicles. The monks released the government officials later that same day, unharmed.
From all indications, this act was in response to an incident the day before, when two Burmese military platoons attempted to disperse the monks (who had been marching peacefully) by firing warning shots into the air and physically assaulting people. One bystander said, “They fired about 10 or 15 bullets before they started to drag away the monks and beat up bystanders with bamboos sticks.” (Source: The Democratic Voice of Burma)
The Buddhist Peace Fellowship does not support aggression or violence. Buddhist teachings guide us to an understanding that actions which are motivated by hatred or confusion will only lead to more suffering. Yet we do understand how suffering can lead to such actions. Social change movements are vast and complex, especially when thousands of people are involved and emotions are high. They do not happen in a vacuum, in an atmosphere of pure nonviolence. Another layer of complexity is added when the situation takes place in another country and culture and those of us on the outside cannot possibly have full understanding of the context.
Whatever acts of violence have occurred on the part of a small group of monks must be understood in the context of the past 20 years of repression, structural violence, and systemic human rights violations by the military junta of Myanmar.
The vast majority of the monks and nuns in Burma are responding courageously and holding strongly to the practice of nonviolence in this protest. We continue to stand with them and call for the Myanmar government to meet with the monks and together to find nonviolent solutions which will benefit all the people of Burma.
Message of support for monks of Burma from Buddhist Peace Fellowship, Melbourne (Australia) Chapter
We have been deeply moved to hear of the courage and compassion displayed in your peaceful protest for the benefit of all the people of Burma. We are full of admiration for your actions including the chanting of suttas for the promotion of loving kindness and protection from evil, and for taking up the issue of the relief of poverty. We pray for you and the people supporting you, and hope that the loving kindness you extend will find its echoes in the hearts of the military and government officials.
May all beings be free from suffering. May all beings be at ease and at peace.
Jill Jameson for BPF Melbourne, 19 September, 2007
Statement of Support by INEB for Demonstrations by Buddhist Monks in Burma
The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB)
September 20, 2007
The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB), a global network of activists, spiritual leaders, organizations and academics of all Buddhist sects, who integrates the practice of Buddhism and social actions for a healthy, just and peaceful world, hereby conveying our strongest supports and solidarity with the Buddhists monks and the people of Burma who are peacefully calling for the end of social and political sufferings in Burma.
In particular, we strongly support the peaceful expressions of the loving-kindness and compassions for the Burmese society by the Buddhist monks across Burma.
We also support their demands for the SPDC to offer their apologies to the monks:
* to reduce all commodity prices, fuel prices, rice and cooking oil prices immediately,
* to release all political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and all detainees arrested in ongoing demonstrations over fuel price hike,
* to enter into dialogue with democratic forces and ethnic nationalities for national reconciliation immediately, and
* to resolve the crises and difficulties facing and suffering by the people.
* welcome the State and Peace Development Council or SPDC’s restraint on the use of violent means on the first day (September 18,2007)of the demonstrations by Buddhist monks in various towns and cities across Burma except the use of tear gas and violent break up of the demonstrations in Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State in western Burma. We also welcome the release of three monks, one novice and ten other protesters who were arrested on Tuesday afternoon in Sittwe.
* are, however, extremely concern over the latest news report on the SPDC’s secret declaration of the state of emergency which authorized regional and local authorities to use violent means, including an order to open fire, in cracking down the demonstrations.
* urge the SPDC, who are also Buddhists, to apply and practice Panna (wisdom), Metta (loving-kindness) and Karuna (compassion) in responding to the current situations by:
1. revoking the authorization of, and ban, the use of all violent means, in dealing with all demonstrations in Burma including the use of tear gas and opening fires, the hiring of local thugs, Swan Arr Shin and SPDC’s proxy USDA to confront and crackdown on the peaceful protests and the arresting and beating up of the demonstrators.
2. stopping the surveillance and all restrictions on monasteries and temples.
3. allowing the peaceful demonstrations and expressions of the concerns and cares for the society by the Buddhist monks and the people of Burma.
4. allowing independent media to cover the current events without any restrictions so that both sides of the stories can be known and heard.
5. start entering into dialogue and working for the solutions with Buddhist monks who play a very significant roles as spiritual, cultural and social leaders in Burmese society.
The INEB believe that every human beings, including the personnel of SPDC, have a seed of Buddha, the potential for awakening and enlightenment. We hope the SPDC will take the current situation as the opportunity to let the seeds of Buddha within them grow by awakening to the need to start resolving the crises facing Burma by releasing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, all political prisoners including imprisoned ethnic nationalities’ leaders and start a meaningful and compassionate dialogue with all relevant parties.
We will continue watching Burma closely with our utmost concerns and we send our best wishes to all people of Burma. May Peace Prevail in Burma very soon!
Message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama
September 23, 2007
I extent my support and solidarity with the recent peaceful movement for
democracy in Burma.
I fully support their call for freedom and democracy and take this opportunity to appeal to freedom-loving people all over the world to support such non-violent movements.
Moreover, I wish to convey my sincere appreciation and admiration to the large number of fellow Buddhists monks for advocating democracy and freedom in Burma.
As a Buddhist monk, I am appealing to the members of the military regime who believe in Buddhism to act in accordance with the sacred dharma in the spirit of compassion and non-violence.
I pray for the success of this peaceful movement and the early release of fellow Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
Statement issued by the Buddhists and Khmer Society Network, of Cambodia. They will be presenting it to the Burma (Myanmar) Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Any questions can be directed to Mr. Sotha Ros of BKSN: rossotha@yahoo.com or mobile 855 12 766 05.
Buddhists and Khmer Society Network (BKSN)
Statement of Support for Demonstrations for National Reconciliation by Buddhist Monks in Burma
The Buddhists and Khmer Society Network (BKSN) consists of most of the Buddhist organizations in Cambodia, individual Buddhist and social activists, and other Buddhists, would like to strongly extend our support and solidarity with the Buddhist peace movement in Burma. We strongly request the government of Burma to kindly stop any military or violent actions against this peaceful movement.
The demonstrators of the Buddhist movement are doing the right thing for the country which is not against the Buddhist philosophy or discipline. As you know, the presence of Buddhism is because of social and economical suffering. Now, Burmese people are being suffered politically, socially and economically. So, the Buddhist peace movement is having a good intention to bring peace and prosperity for Burma as good Buddha’s disciples.
If the government of Burma would like to address its internal conflict with a good intention, you need to understand other groups’ needs and suffering by stepping on their toes and address it in a peaceful and sustainable way. A violent action is not sustainable. Importantly, as Buddha said, nothing is permanent, even the power any one is holding. So, start now for peace reconciliation before it is too late. Then, you will be appreciated by your own people an the global village.
We pray for the success of this peaceful Buddhist movement, and every party is win. We would like also to strongly appeal to the Burmese government to release all peaceful demonstrators and political prisoners for peace and ending their suffering including giving full freedom for Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Please stop any violent actions against this peaceful movement. It goes against to Buddhism, freedom of expression or human rights. Importantly, they are your own people and even sharing the same blood. Finally, if you respect the Buddha, you need to expand your great compassion to all sentient beings.
Representative of the BKSN
Sotha Ros
26 September 2007
Press Release from Shambhala
Buddhist leader appeals to United Nations for peaceful resolution of crisis
in Burma (Myanmar)
September 26, 2007
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, head of one of the largest Buddhist organizations in the world, today wrote to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressing his concern at the threats of violence and attacks on unarmed Buddhist monks and civilians in Burma (Myanmar).
The Sakyong, whose title literally means "earth protector", is the supreme head of the Shambhala Buddhist lineage, and is the author of the prize-winning book "Ruling Your World".
The Sakyong said it was vital that the international community take all appropriate measures to uphold the internationally recognized rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and the exercise of human
conscience. "This is imperative," he said, "not only for the well-being and stability of that nation, but also for the world as a whole."
In making this appeal, the Sakyong said he wished to make clear that the issue facing humanity was not a question of taking sides in a country’s internal dispute. "It is a question of how we, as people everywhere, learn to resolve our differences and disputes," he said. " We stand at a crossroads in history: we can either choose the nightmare of violence or take upon ourselves the challenge of peace. It is vital that the world’s
primary international forum, the United Nations, give a clear signal that the way forward for humanity and our planet must be the choice of peace."
The Sakyong presented the first Living Peace Award last September to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at a historic event in the Colorado Rockies. The ceremony took place at the site of the western world's largest Buddhist monument, the Great Stupa, a 108-foot high symbol of peace holding relics of the Buddha and Tibetan meditation masters.
The Sakyong's letter was sent ahead of the meeting of the UN Security Council today, scheduled to begin at 5:00pm in New York. The full text follows. For information about the Sakyong, please visit: www.shambhala.org and for reports and photos of the Living Peace Award, www.shambhalamountain.org
The Sakyong is currently at the Shambhala headquarters in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. His secretary, Mr David Brown, can be reached on (902) 425-4275 ext 33 or on <dbrown@shambhala.org>
-----------------------------------------
His Excellency
Ban Ki-moon
Secretary General
The United Nations
New York
26 September 2007
Your Excellency,
I have the honour to address you on behalf of The Sakyong,
Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche, head of the Shambhala Buddhist lineage – an ancient
tradition whose aspiration is to create enlightened society on earth. The
royal seat of Shambhala is held by a successive line of Sakyongs (literally
“Earth Protectors”) devoted to the protection, well-being and spiritual care
of our world.
Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, together with the global community of
Buddhist practitioners, has followed, with deepening concern the events
unfolding in Myanmar (Burma). This concern is shared by people of all faiths
around the world, and by more and more governments. The threat and use of
violence against unarmed monastics and civilians in that country has led the
Security Council of the United Nations to focus its attention on these
worsening developments. Already there are reports of violent attacks that
have resulted in serious injuries and possible fatalities.
At the same time, we understand that the sangha of monks in
Myanmar (Burma) has maintained its deep commitment to non-violence.
Monastics have urged the civilian population not to resort to violence if
provoked. They have repeatedly stated that, as followers of the Buddhist
path, they are determined to address the deep social issues in their country
using peaceful means.
It is imperative, not only for the well-being and stability of
that nation, but also for the world as a whole, that the international
community make every effort to restrain the forces of violence and take all
appropriate measures to uphold the internationally recognized rights to
peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and the exercise of human
conscience.
In making this appeal, the Sakyong wishes to make clear that the
issue facing humanity is not a question of taking sides in a country’s
internal dispute. It is a question of how we, as people everywhere, learn to
resolve our differences and disputes. We stand at a crossroads in history:
we can either choose the nightmare of violence or take upon ourselves the
challenge of peace. It is vital that the world’s primary international
forum, the United Nations, give a clear signal that the way forward for
humanity and our planet must be the choice of peace.
The Sakyong prays, as the leader of a global Buddhist community,
that the wisdom and compassion that are inherent in all humanity, will
enable you, as the foremost peacekeeper of the world, to guide the community
of nations towards a patient, just, and sane resolution of the current
crisis.
In the hope that we may walk together on the path that leads to
the cessation of all suffering, I remain yours, sincerely and respectfully,
Richard Reoch
President of Shambhala
Thich Quang Do calls on UN to take emergency action on Burma
Sept 28, 2007
Venerable Thich Quang Do, the 2006 Rafto Prize Laureate, calls on United Nations to take emergency action on Burma and expresses solidarity with Buddhists' and civilians' peaceful, democratic protests.
In face of the violent crackdown on peaceful protests in Burma, the Very Venerable Thich Quang Do, the 2007 Rafto Prize Laureate, Deputy leader of the outlawed Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam (UBCV) addressed a letter today to the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon calling for urgent UN action to address the crisis in Burma and bring the military junta to cease repression against peaceful protesters.
The UBCV Deputy leader and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, 79, also addressed a message of solidarity to Buddhist monks, nuns and civilians in their peaceful movement for democracy and freedom. The two letters were sent clandestinely from the Thanh Minh Zen Monastery in Saigon, where Thich Quang Do is under house arrest, to Mr. Vo Van Ai, UBCV spokesman, who is attending the UN General Assembly in New York.
In his Letter to the UN Secretary General (28.9.2007), Thich Quang Do wrote: "I express the deep alarm of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam on the violent repression of peaceful and democratic protests by the military government of Burma/Myanmar.
I appeal to the United Nations and all member states to take emergency action through all the UN's principal organs to urge the Burmese government to stop all attacks, arrests and violence against peaceful protesters and restore their human rights and political freedoms. The military junta should immediately release Aung San Suu Kyi and open a dialogue with the democratic opposition.
I urge the UN Security Council to adopt and enforce a strong Resolution at this General Assembly meeting in New York, and also call on the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva to convene a special session to seek a swift solution to this tragedy. The brutal killings, beatings, arrests and disappearances we have witnessed in Burma over the past days cannot be allowed to continue".
Following news that Security forces had opened fire on the peaceful protesters, Thich Quang Do also sent this "Message of Condolence and Solidarity from the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam to the Buddhist Clergy and People of Burma" (27.9.2007):
"In the 19th Century, when the British conquered Burma, they eliminated the role of the Buddhist Supreme Patriarch, dismantled the clergy and sought to destroy the Buddhist faith. Monks and nuns in Burma rose up against this foreign aggression. Many were arrested and imprisoned. Many died in the British jails for their devotion to the cause of independence, freedom and Buddhism.
"In the 21st Century, in this very month of September 2007, the military junta opened fire on Buddhist monks and nuns as they took to the streets to protect the rights of the oppressed Burmese people. In a violent crack-down, several monks were killed and hundreds were arrested.
"The banners held high by Buddhist monks during their demonstrations spoke out their intention to relieve the sufferings of their people by the Buddhist path of non-violence: "Love and kindness must win over everything".
"These two examples of foreign or internal aggression reveal one common reality - the oppression of ordinary men and women by a ruling minority who seek desperately to cling to power, at any cost.
"On behalf of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam (UBCV), I express my deepest condolences, and I pray for all those who have lost their lives in their quest to protect the rights of life, civil and human rights of the Burmese people. I applaud the spirit of salvation, courage and fearlessness of the Burmese Buddhist clergy, and wholly support the Burmese people in their struggle for the most precious of all rights, the rights to freedom and democracy.
"We, the peoples of Burma and Vietnam, are bound together more closely than ever, for we are both victims of suffering and oppression under military or totalitarian dictatorships. We come together in a common aspiration for the right to life and freedom. And today, we stand side by side in the peaceful struggle for democracy and human rights. For without democracy and human rights, human beings can never fully and freely exist.
"I express my profound admiration for democracy leader and Buddhist follower Aung San Suu Kyi, who has suffered such unspeakable hardships, repression and detention, yet has never wavered in her determination to restore democracy and free the Burmese people from the military junta. I pray for Aung San Suu Kyi, that she may preserve her health and strength and lead the democracy movement to success".
Statement of Support by the Brazilian Buddhist Collegiate (CBB)
September 28, 2007
It is with great concern that the Brazilian Buddhist Collegiate comes to the public to comment the recent events happening in Burma (Myanmar), where thousands of Buddhists monks and nuns are doing a peaceful protest against the governing military junta of that country.
According to the press, monks and nuns have taken to the streets of the capital Yangon and other cities, chanting Sutras, including the Metta Sutta that emphasizes love and compassion to all living beings. What had started with a few dozens now has become one of the major public manifestations in its history, however with a unique difference: holding hands with compassion, the monks are asking the population not to get involved or do aggressive acts against the government, so the people do not get hurt.
Now the government repression and violence has began against the monks, six of the main temples in the capital have been surrounded by the army, and many monks are being beaten, jailed and a few assassinated.
The CBB urges all Buddhists and sympathizers of our religion, as well as members of all religious denominations to support those brave representatives of theDharma , whom have taken upon themselves the responsibility to protest against the atrocities against the population. Such a support might come in many ways, from protests and letters to their own government and to the international community at large to the simple and needed player to the Burmese people, its government and our brothers and sisters in the monastic community, so the situation can be resolved through non-violence as has taughtSiddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.
At this moment, in face of great tension and oppression, the Burmese monks keep following the teaching of the Tathagata, holding compassion and selflessness to the last consequences, which we hope to be the most serene from the Burmese government.
We wait the unfolding of events, but we urge everyone not to abstain, nor turn their backs from the situation, as the lives of those monastics depend of the international pressure; and to do so we need to make our voices heard, be it by email to the Embassies of U.S., Thailand, China, European Union, Russia, etc., as well as the Itamaraty (the Brazilian Foreign Relations Ministry) and the Brazilian media.
The CBB counts with representatives of Theravada Buddhism in its Board of Directors and Consulting Counsel whom will try to keep us informed of the unfolding of events.
Brazilian Buddhist Collegiate
(Colegiado Buddhista do Brasil)
http://cbb.bodhimandala.com/
Letter of Appeal from from Venerable Ajahn Sumedho
Sept 30, 2007
I am making a statement of support and sympathy for the heroic efforts of the Buddhist Monks, Nuns, Students, and all the Burmese Laypeople who are peacefully protesting against the injustice and oppression of the present government of Myanmar.
It is very confusing and distressing to witness a government which claims to respect the Buddhist religion react to a peaceful protest in such a violent and brutal way.
I have always held the Sangha in Burma with great respect. I ask the present government to listen to the Sangha and to seek a way of reconciliation in accord with the Dhamma which will be for the welfare and happiness of all.
I send all my blessings to the peaceful protesters and my compassion to the Government of Myanmar which has strayed so far from the wisdom and compassion of the Lord Buddha.
A Request by Japanese Buddhists Concerning the Situation in Burma
October 1, 2007
As the sole federation of Japanese traditional Buddhist denominations, the All Japan Buddhist Federation, which is also acts as the Japanese center for the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB), would like to express the following about the situation in Burma.
Burma is approximately 90% Buddhist. These Buddhist followers are very devout, as witnessed by the important historical ruins found in the country. Concerning the demonstrations by Buddhist monks and general citizens, we have received news that the government has responded with violence, causing numerous casualties, including a Japanese, and imprisoning numerous people. As fellow Buddhist followers, we would like to express our indignation and deep regret at these acts.
The demonstrations in which the monks participated were based on the Buddha's teaching of "overturning the bowl" (patta-nukkujjana kamma). Everyday, the monks peacefully and in a disciplined manner, beg for alms. In this way, they have born witness to the suffering of the daily lives of the people and have sincerely prayed for tranquility in their daily lives.
We would like to call on the Government of Myanmar to immediately free those detained monks and citizens, and search for measures to resolve the situation by entering into peaceful dialogue. Furthermore, it is our heartfelt wish that the Japanese government, the United Nations, and various international bodies will accept the intent of our message and continue to make efforts to resolve the situation.
Sincerely In the Dharma,
Rev. Ko Yasuhara
Chairman of the Board of Directors
All Japan Buddhist Federation
Myanmar: An Appeal by Soto Zen Buddhism of Japan
October 1, 2007
Mr Thein Sein
Acting Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar
In a series of actions by the Myanmar government, the lives of monks in that country, as well as those of the general public, who participated in demonstrations have been harmed and taken away. Even the pagodas and monasteries which are the cornerstones of religious belief have been destroyed and this has taken a toll on tat country's people. In addition, the life of a Japanese journalist has also been taken.
How can the use of force bring about a resolution to these problems? This will only deprive people of the right to live as well as take away the value of human life.
Buddhism is a religion that hopes for and seeks peace. It highly esteems the life of each human being. It honors and maintains the precept of "Do not take life" and can never sanction the actions of the Myanmar government.
We live according to the teachings of Buddhism. As Buddhists, we strongly protest these tragic actions that have grossly ignored and trampled irreplaceable human life.
Here, regardless of whatever purposes the Myanmar government may have, we will adamantly oppose these actions, which victimize the people of Myanmar sacrificing the preciousness of human life. We express our request that the Myanmar government will immediately work for a peaceful solution.
Gassho
Rev. Fuchi Eitoku
President, Administrative Headquarters of Soto Zen Buddhism
Statement from the Jodo (Pure Land) Shu Buddhist Denomination on Bringing Peace to Burma
October 2, 2007
We at Jodo Shu profess our belief in non-violence and deny any warlike or military means for resolving problems, no matter the reason.
At this time, we would like to address the situation in Burma of the peaceful demonstrations by the general citizens and monastic sangha, which was formed through the Buddha’s Way. We have come to be informed that the government has used violence in response and created numerous fatalities, including one Japanese citizen.
Furthermore, they have imprisoned many citizens and monks as well as looting and destroying Buddhist temples. We would like to express our indignation and deep regret about these actions.
From prehistoric times up to today, humans have continued to conflict with each other. Not only has this injured and deprived many people of their lives, but has given rise to the despair and hatred of the mourning families.
Peace cannot be established through violent force. Violent force gives rise to enmity as well being the trigger to an endless cycle of revenge. Shakyamuni Buddha once taught, “Everyone fears violence. Everyone cherishes life. Seeing others as oneself, one should neither kill nor allow others to be killed.” Dhammapada 130.
Burma is a country with a deep Buddhist history. 90% of its citizens are devout Buddhist followers. We are shocked and cannot help being gravely concerned that Burma is now trying to resolve its problems through violence.
It is our heartfelt wish that the Government of Myanmar immediately free those detained monks and citizens, and demonstrate a policy of resolving this conflict peacefully through dialogue. It is also our hope that the Japanese government and various related bodies will continue to make efforts to resolve the situation.
We Jodo Shu priests and followers will not cease to pray for the rapid
establishment of a world of co-existence in which humans non-violently trust, love and help one another.
Sincerely In the Dharma,
Rev. Kojun Inaoka
Secretary General of Jodo Shu
Buddhist Churches of America Statement in Support of Pro-Democracy Efforts in Burma
The disturbing reports of the violent crackdown being inflicted upon the peaceful pro-democracy demonstrations led by Buddhist monks and nuns in Burma (Myanmar) lead us to draft this letter in support of their efforts to realize a truly harmonious society.
The spiritual leaders of Burma seek to alleviate the suffering caused by the inequities and injustice of an oppressive military government. For decades, their peaceful actions on behalf of the exploited populace have met brutal suppression. The recent confrontations have included even harsher and more inhumane treatment of the monastic community and civilian population. They reveal a government that has lost the moral authority to lead.
Reflecting on the Teachings of the Buddha for guidance, we cite his admonition that: “Of societies, there are three kinds. First, there are those that are organized on the basis of power, wealth or authority of leaders.
“Second, there are those that are organized because of its convenience to the members, which will continue to exist as long as the members satisfy their conveniences and do not quarrel.
“Third, there are those that are organized with some good teaching as its center and harmony as its very life.
“Of course, the third and last of these is the only true society, for in it the members live in one spirit, from which unity of spirit and various kinds of virtue will arise. In such an organization there will prevail harmony, satisfaction and happiness.”
This is the society that we all seek. The monks and nuns of Burma are attempting to lead their country in this direction.
In a spirit of understanding the causes and conditions of suffering and a concern for alleviating them, we add our voices to the urgent call for humanitarian and diplomatic aid to be provided to the citizens of Burma, to help them bring about a peaceful, harmonious, and enduring society.
Respectfully in gassho,
Socho (Bishop) Koshin Ogui
Dr. Gordon Bermant, President
Buddhist Churches of America
UCLA Mindfulness and Psychotherapy Conference
Statement drafted by conference leaders, Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, and Jack Kornfield
October 5, 2007
Nearly 2,000 Buddhists and psychologists gathered for a conference sponsored by the University of California, Los Angeles, on Eastern and Western Psychology. Out of solidarity with the monks, nuns and people of Burma, renowned peace advocate and Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh instructed his entourage of 60 monks and nuns to wear their ceremonial saffron outer robes, which they had last done on September 11, 2001.
After the monks and nuns chanted the teachings of compassion, Dr. Jack Kornfield described the grave situation in Burma. He read to the assembly the following statement, drafted by Dr. Kornfield, Thich Nhat Hanh, and other conference leaders. In keeping with Buddhist tradition of council, all those in accord were asked to give their assent by standing silently. Everyone in the room arose without hesitation, including Governor Arnold Schwartznegger and his wife Maria Shriver. After standing in meditation, the entire group followed Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh in a walk of mindfulness and peace across the campus. Here is the statement:
As a conference of almost 2000 mental health professionals, we write this statement out of concern and solidarity with the monks, nuns, and people of Burma. In this time of great suffering, repression and imprisonment, we strongly support the Burmese people in a non-violent transition to democracy.
To do so, we urge the United Nations to create a robust multi-national fact finding mission to go into Burma, listen to the monks and nuns and all those involved, and tell the world what has happened and what is needed for democratic resolution.
We also urge the International Olympic Committee as organizers of the Beijing Olympics to require that China, Burma’s main trading partner, do the utmost to support human rights and a transition to democracy in Burma at this time.
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