Michelle Malkin » Revolution of the spirit: Monasteries raided, monks chanting “Metta Sutra”

Revolution of the spirit: Monasteries raided, monks chanting “Metta Sutra”

By Michelle Malkin • September 27, 2007 08:34 AM

Blood-splattered floor of the Ngwe Kyar Yan monastery

It’s day two of the crackdown in Myanmar. The NYT says “security forces raided at least two Buddhist monasteries, beating and arresting dozens of monks, according to reports from the capital, Yangon.” Latest wire dispatches report protesters are being fired upon:

Soldiers fired automatic weapons into a crowd of anti-government protesters Thursday as tens of thousands defied the ruling military junta’s crackdown with a 10th straight day of demonstrations.

A Japanese Foreign Ministry official told The Associated Press that several people, including a Japanese national, were found dead following Thursday’s protests.

The information was transmitted by Myanmar’s Foreign Ministry to the Japanese Embassy in Yangon, the official said on condition of anonymity citing protocol.

The chaos came a day after the government launched a crackdown in Yangon that it said killed at least one man. Dissidents outside Myanmar reported receiving news of up to eight deaths Wednesday.

Some reports said the dead included Buddhist monks, who are widely revered in Myanmar, and the emergence of such martyrs could stoke public anger against the regime and escalate the violence.

Irwadaddy has wall-to-wall, breaking news coverage and a rallying cry:

Gunfire resounded through the air on Wednesday as Buddhist monks chanted the “Metta Sutra” (the Buddha’s words on living kindness). Soldiers and riot police beat many monks who bravely resisted by sitting down in front of security forces.

Monks in Rangoon on Thursday said five fellow monks were shot dead or beaten to death by security forces on Wednesday. The tragedy, unfortunately, is only beginning: more blood will flow on the road to democracy in the coming days.

The bloodshed has unfolded despite calls for restraint by the international community. The UN secretary-general repeatedly called on the regime to seize this opportunity to restore democracy and national reconciliation with all parties in the country, but to no avail.

The United Nation Security Council will meet on Thursday. But what can the council do? Just this year, a critical resolution on Burma proposed by the US and Britain was vetoed by China and Russia, two strong supporters of the junta.

For a long-term perspective, we can turn to the writing of Aung San Suu Kyi, the people’s beloved democracy leader, who has always acknowledged the enduring strength of the Burmese people, while also calling for help from all people who support democracy and human rights.

“It is not enough merely to call for freedom, democracy and human rights,” Suu Kyi wrote in “Freedom from Fear.” “There has to be a united determination to persevere in the struggle, to make sacrifices in the name of enduring truths, to resist the corrupting influences of desire, ill will, ignorance and fear.”

“The quest for democracy in Burma is the struggle of a people to live whole, meaningful lives as free and equal members of the world community. It is part of the unceasing human endeavor to prove that the spirit of man can transcend the flaws of his nature.”

The current military crackdown, despite the killings and beatings, can’t stop Buddhist monks who practice loving kindness and sacrifice for the well-being of the suffering people of Burma. As Suu Kyi said, this is a “revolution of the spirit”—it must transcend inhumanity.

A true religion of peace.

***

Yesterday: The Saffron Revolution

Posted in: Burma

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#1

On September 27th, 2007 at 8:56 am, Boomer said:

This is not only a religion of peace, but one of great courage to face the weapons of their oppressors with only their bodies and faith. I don’t believe I could show that type of physical courage without fighting back violently. I hope their sacrifices will bring this oppressive regime tumbling down and the free country of Burma can once again grace the global map.
#2

On September 27th, 2007 at 9:01 am, reine.de.tout said:

The UN secretary-general repeatedly called on the regime to seize this opportunity to restore democracy and national reconciliation with all parties in the country, but to no avail.

And it is a surprise to whom that the U.N. is unable to get this government to “restore democracty and national reconciliation”?
#3

On September 27th, 2007 at 9:18 am, On-my-soap-box said:

I do not know who the biggest cowards are.

The kind of people who could kill peaceful harmless monks?

The U.N.?

It is so hard to pick a close second.
#4

On September 27th, 2007 at 10:09 am, swj719AWG said:

And god bless those monks. To stand by and take a litteral hit for the team (they sacrifices bring this to the forefront like no “policy” or “nonbinding resolution” ever could) takes courage and conviction the likes of which most people on this planet will never know.

Including me.

I’m really unsure (as in “pretty sure I couldn’t”) as to my ability to do the same.
#5

On September 27th, 2007 at 10:29 am, max said:

fyi
Here’s a nice little article about Burmese Buddhism…

http://www.seapabkk.org/newdesign/fellowshipsdetail.php?No=573

As in Thailand, it is customary for most young Burmese men to become monks and live in a temple for a short period of time at least once in their lives. The level of respect for monks and for the true religion of peace is pervasive…. it’s a beautiful thing!
#6

On September 27th, 2007 at 10:57 am, mnmike said:

I’m pleased President Bush spoke to the UN General Assembly about this matter and will impose sanctions.

Why is it that China and Russia support all the tyrannical regimes?

Oh, never mind.
#7

On September 27th, 2007 at 11:10 am, max said:

Today we are all on the road to Mandalay!
#8

On September 27th, 2007 at 6:15 pm, blues said:

Soap-the U.N. isn’t cowardly-it just does’t give a damn.
#9

On September 27th, 2007 at 7:18 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

On September 27th, 2007 at 6:15 pm, blues said:
Soap-the U.N. isn’t cowardly-it just does’t give a damn.

The U.N. watched as one of my good friends was kidnapped in Haiti. They were in armored carriers armed to the teeth and did nothing. Cowards.

Let’s not even get into the human rights violations in other countries at the hands of U.N. personnel. Cowards and they don’t give a hoot either.
#10

On September 27th, 2007 at 7:42 pm, zorro said:

Most of my closest friends are Thai and are devote Buddhist. Practicing Buddhist are as peaceful as peaceful gets and are an inspiration to me.

May God Bless and protect all who seek freedom.
#11

On September 27th, 2007 at 10:09 pm, hadsil said:

Oh, this is happening in Myanmar, not Bushitlercheneymchalliburtonkenrovia.
Hard to tell, sometimes.
#12

On September 28th, 2007 at 10:43 am, swj719AWG said:

Hard to tell, sometimes.

Really…

You see a lot of Government forces firing into protest crowds, do you?

Up yer anti-psycotic meds. Your current dose isn’t cutting it any more.
#13

On September 28th, 2007 at 12:52 pm, englishqueen01 said:

Oh, this is happening in Myanmar, not Bushitlercheneymchalliburtonkenrovia.

Way to undermine and minimize true suffering.

When can we get BDS on the list of illnesses that necessitate in-patient treatment?