Victory No Matter The Outcome
Things in Burma (Myanmar) have worsened, as the country’s military Junta has turned to using force against pro-democracy protesters, among them a significant number of Buddhist monks, one of whom was reportedly killed in the southern city of Yangon today. Numerous other monks and protestors have also reportedly been beaten and arrested.
Yesterday the country’s military Junta ordered that no more than five people could publicly assemble, an edict that was ignored today as thousands gathered in Yangon to continue demonstrations. The images that have escaped the country have come mostly from cell phones and via the internet, and there have been reports that up to eight monks were actually killed when the military opened fire on a crowd at one point. But being that information is hard to come by, it is only speculation at this point.
The courage being displayed by those protesting is beyond admirable, it is an example of the human spirit at its finest. While some have turned to throwing rocks and other objects at soldiers, Burma’s monks are in the midst of displaying something little witnessed in history – the protest of a violent dictatorship through entirely pacifistic means. In truth, it could very well result in many deaths, but the principles being displayed in the face of such a possibility should be regarded as an example of the very finest among us.
While the world’s foremost religions preach tolerance and compassion, very few actually put those beliefs into practice. What is occurring right now in Burma is an example of something rarely seen among us. No matter what occurs because of these protests, let them serve as a reminder to all of us, and to the shame of many of us, that there are those capable of opposing that which is unjust by confronting it armed with nothing save the belief in refusing to resort to the behaviour of those that are being opposed. And that by doing so, no matter the outcome, that they have triumphed because of it.
In Addition
Updated at 9:31 PM CST
Breaking from the BBC…
“Witnesses say security forces in Burma have launched raids on monasteries and arrested scores of monks, as they try to stem a rising tide of protests. About 100 Buddhist monks were reported to have been held when a monastery in the east of the main city, Rangoon, was stormed overnight, witnesses said. It followed reports of several deaths when police broke up demonstrations by monks and civilians on Wednesday.”
Updated at 10:35 PM CST
From Foreign Policy In Focus…
“In Rangoon and other cities of Burma, Buddhist monks have confronted the military dictatorship with an unusual technique: they refused to accept alms. In Buddhist tradition, this boycott is the ultimate insult monks can deploy. On September 26, the government finally responded to the monks’ boycott by cracking down on the protests, which attracted as many as 100,000 people at their height. Police reportedly killed one protestor, and arrested as many as 200 monks. The future of the democracy movement in Burma remains unclear.”
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September 26th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Arresting monks and opening fire on peaceful demonstrations. What’s next? Nuns towed away to rendition?
September 26th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
It is really amazing how quickly word has spread of these demonstrations and the military Junta has to resort to alternative means (rather than killing thousands of protesters). I can recall when a similar incident happened in Burma that was completely overshadowed by the massacre Tienanmen Square, and i think it is great that China is being pressured into helping Myanmar, and that the military generals fear prosecution at the Hague. Good luck to my Buddhist brothers over in Myanmar.
September 26th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Go Monks!
September 26th, 2007 at 10:49 pm
I would suggest that people go to this site for actions they can take on this file.
http://www.amnesty.ca/take_action/actions/myanmar_peaceful_protests.php
September 26th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
I’ve been paying attention to this one since the story first started and it’s put me to tears on several occasions. Dispite the developments today (that I was saddly expecting), it’s nice to know there are others who think life is presious.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Williams_(Northern_Ireland)
September 27th, 2007 at 3:06 am
Things don’t look good for the protesters. The SPDC has proven that it has no sympathy and therefore no hesitation in using deadly means to get what it wants– silence. The people in Burma are scared but so incredibly brave it blows my mind. Check out http://www.mizzima.com and http://www.irrawaddy.org for a couple of Burmese news sources (mostly by Burmese living in exile).
September 27th, 2007 at 8:00 am
The bravery, determination, and restraint (with regards to violent retaliation) of these people is quite impressive, and, quite frankly, it puts most of the rest of us to shame.
With that said, I know that my old D&D monk character would have handled things much differently.
September 27th, 2007 at 8:18 am
Brave Hearted ones take Sufferings on gladly
and in the End are the Victorious Ones
through the Power of their Bravery
Cowards bring Sufferings onto themselves
through the Power of their Cowardice
September 27th, 2007 at 10:24 am
What would happen if all the monks walked up to the government building and just sat down. no yelling, no signs, no rocks… they just sat and didnt get up. How could anyway military officers or political officials spin that to say that the protests were vilolent. Would they beat up 10 000 monks sitting quietly on the streets? or would they just leave them?
September 27th, 2007 at 11:56 am
The struggle of might versus right is as old as human history, these monks represent something that is part of all of us waiting for a need to come to the surface. After two decades of tyranny in Myanmar that need is now here.
September 27th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
I think it’s ridiculous that they are arresting people for making a peaceful stand for what they believe in. This is a perfect example of a country that does not value it’s people or human life in general as they will just kill anyone that speaks out or expresses an opinion different from what it is “suppose to be.” I think it is cowardly, disgusting and pathetic.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:30 am
I think it’s also important to understand Chinas role in this. Most of the weapons in the hands of the military in Burma are made in China which is also the source of most of Burmas hard currency.
If China wants to showcase how far it’s come as a society next year with the Olympics, it should show more responsibility in who it supports in the world. China also backs the government of Sudan which has been warring on its own population for years.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:46 am
They are afraid of the Monks, and they should be. Someone once told me that the most powerful force for rebellion is young, unattached men for they have nothing to lose.
September 28th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Japanese videojournalist shot in Yangon
Accompanying Reuters article
September 28th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Unfortunately, unless someone is willing to go in an kick the ‘Junta’s’ butt, those in power will continue to abuse and kill those opposed to the govt. Kinda reminds you of pre-war Iraq.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:43 am
[quote comment="27403"]They are afraid of the Monks, and they should be. Someone once told me that the most powerful force for rebellion is young, unattached men for they have nothing to lose.[/quote]
What makes you think that monks have nothing to lose????
September 29th, 2007 at 1:50 am
[quote comment="27359"]What would happen if all the monks walked up to the government building and just sat down. no yelling, no signs, no rocks… they just sat and didnt get up. How could anyway military officers or political officials spin that to say that the protests were vilolent. Would they beat up 10 000 monks sitting quietly on the streets? or would they just leave them?[/quote]
The soldiers would be ordered to open fire to disperse them. Some would; some wouldn’t.
And many monks would die. After the passage of time, events will be forgotten, and the cycle will repeat. Dictatorships are awful…. the hand of Lucifer momentarily glimpsed.