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Myanmar' Crisis ?Voices from Buddhist Organisations
-- His Holiness supports call for democracy in Burma. Dharamshala: His Holiness the Dalai Lama conveys his sincere appreciation and admiration to the large number of fellow Buddhist monks for advocating democracy and freedom in Burma. In his message on 23 September, His Holiness said, 揑 extend my support and solidarity with the recent peaceful movement for democracy in Burma.? 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,?His Holiness added. His Holiness further said, 揂s 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.? pray for the success of this peaceful movement and the early release of fellow Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.?His Holiness further said. Statement from the Buddhist Fellowship on Myanmar's Violence Against the Monks (source: http://www.buddhistfellowship.org/bf_new/pages/main/index.html) 2 October 2007 Dear Editor We view the monks and nuns who had led the peaceful protest in Myanmar with great admiration. It was certainly a show of courage and concern for the people of Myanmar. Had the monks not initiated the protest, many parts of world would have remained silent and oblivious to the plight of its people. It is with sadness that the junta has responded violently to the peaceful monks. While some of the killers may never be brought to justice, however, they should be reminded that they would not escape the Law of Karma as we all reap what we sow. The most admired non-violent protestor, Mahatma Gandhi, once said, 'There are many reasons why I would give up my life but I can't find a good reason to take a life." It is hoped that the Myanmar Generals and soldiers who claim to be Buddhists would behave more like Buddhists. One of the 5 precepts a Buddhist observes is to 搑efrain from killing?and killing a monk is one of the most heinous crimes. It is time that the junta considered the welfare and happiness of its people and relinquished their power since neither their people nor the world have any respect left for their uncaring and intimidating style of governance. The world, especially ASEAN and the United Nations, cannot sit by and just let the people of Myanmar continue to suffer. Angie Monksfield President |
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