The Role of Socially Engaged Monks in Burma
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC 202
Start Date
16-5-2013
End Date
16-5-2013
Abstract
Violence, oppression, and religious-political tensions have been characteristic of Burma ever since the start of British colonialism around 1824. The turmoil that unfolded during the following years until the present has helped make activism and protest a central part of Burmese monastic life. This paper looks at how the combinations of religious traditions and political struggles have led Theravada Buddhist monks in a practice of socially engaged Buddhism. It also explores how these protests have been motivated by a military disturbance in the symbiotic relationship between monks and the laity. Interviews with socially engaged monks as well as records of major demonstrations are a couple of the methods used to help reveal patterns that indicate reason for involvement. Ultimately the junta’s suppressive rule has urged monks to use their understanding of compassion and loving kindness to support their lay community and become active in protest.
Recommended Citation
Matson, Hillary, "The Role of Socially Engaged Monks in Burma " (2013). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 63.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2013/oralpresentations/63
Additional Mentoring Department
Philosophy and Religious Studies
The Role of Socially Engaged Monks in Burma
SURC 202
Violence, oppression, and religious-political tensions have been characteristic of Burma ever since the start of British colonialism around 1824. The turmoil that unfolded during the following years until the present has helped make activism and protest a central part of Burmese monastic life. This paper looks at how the combinations of religious traditions and political struggles have led Theravada Buddhist monks in a practice of socially engaged Buddhism. It also explores how these protests have been motivated by a military disturbance in the symbiotic relationship between monks and the laity. Interviews with socially engaged monks as well as records of major demonstrations are a couple of the methods used to help reveal patterns that indicate reason for involvement. Ultimately the junta’s suppressive rule has urged monks to use their understanding of compassion and loving kindness to support their lay community and become active in protest.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Jeffrey Dippmann