Classes this week will be dedicated to the Buddhist monks of Myanmar and their non violent protests for PEACE. This small South East Asian country has been demonstrating against the regime for more then 40 years for freedom. In the past, the junta gassed, beat and murdered their own people to end the protests and stay in power.
During the month of September after the government drastically raised fuel prices students began a small protest once again. The regime immediately tried to shut down their efforts by making arrests and strong arming the participants. However on September 17th after a request for an apology was denied to the clergyman the monks joined together and hit the streets. More then 100,000 monks and soon after, civilians marched in peaceful protest. The monks asked people to “struggle peacefully against the evil military dictatorship”. To everyone’s amazement the government backed off and let them be. They also symbolically excommunicated the junta and their families by refusing to accept alms from them. This is called “turning over the rice bowl”. Not allowing the military to practice generosity makes the statement that they are not Buddhists, which a serious accusation in regards to the afterlife.
It’s too soon to tell what’s in store for Myanmar but finally, it is getting the international attention it so deserves. Although there is some Western support and sanctions have been implemented, real change can probably only take place if Myanmar’s neighboring countries assist them in a peaceful transition. As one Burmese young woman said “I can’t imagine what will happen, but we HOPE. We hope for the success of our revolution”.
Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Peace, Peace, Peace
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Let There Be Peace On Earth
Om Sahana Vavatu / A Prayer for Peace
Peace on Earth
Peace Train
Freedom
Shanti / Ashtangi
Power to the People
Come As You Are (Live)
Freedom
World
Peaceful World (Live Acoustic Version)
The Jewel In the Lotus (Tibetan Chant)
Peace
Shanti Om
Imagine
| Martin Sexton
Project Mastana
U2
Cat Stevens
Spiral Rhythm
Madonna
John Lennon
Nirvana
George Michael
Five for Fighting
John Mellencamp
Lama Surya Das & Steven Halpern
Ohm Spirit Sound
John Lennon
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