[InsManKV]

This news has been bothering me. Rohingya Muslims are one of the most oppressed peoples on Earth, facing extremely strong resentment from the "buddhists" in Myanmar (Burma).

When the "buddhists" burn down houses and murder Rohingyas, I don't know what they have been learning or practicing. If they are called "buddhists," I do not want to be a buddhist.

There are serious Theravada practitioners in Myanmar. Can they be engaged in solving this conflict? Can we do anything?

More detail here.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/0...n_1595976.html



Here is another video, but it only has graphic images.
http://youtu.be/0ADFDU74Y4k

[Kemapreedasse]

Hi
It is "ethnic tensions". My impression is that it is political not religious.
The media are bad, they use umbrella terms to distinguish the people involved. It is this kind of generalisation which leads to further ignorance and anger.

[patrycjakolekk]

Oliver, thank you. I agree with you 100%. Somehow it is easier for the media to use the religious categories to report. Local people might be using these categories too. It just sends out a wrong message about Buddhism and Islam.

My interest in this subject is more about our reaction as "serious" buddhists. What can we do to help solve the conflict? How Buddhism can be engaged to solve human problems like this?

[Rffkwfct]

Hi CompassionGiver
Sorry for not addressing the questions.

1) What can we do to help solve the conflict?
I think compassion is the answer to solve the conflict. Try to understand the facts i.e. this is about land, differences, a rape and basically people's emotions. People who are experiencing dukkha in their neighbourhood, with risks to their lives and possessions.

We can send money, food or go there personally if you can assure it would help effectively. Look for charities too.

We can avoid the hype and propaganda, regarding our last posts on how media like to 'group' and 'generalise'. People need to hear the news as hype then look for the facts beyond it, imho.

2) How Buddhism can be engaged to solve human problems like this?
Directly there, if there are monasteries to be protected or that can provide shelter and aid, then we could contact them, send them money and replies or support.

Generally, we can practice and try to reduce our own suffering then look to help others with compassion. We can circulate information, speak openly about Buddhism to our family and friends. Start a website. Write a book. Share the Dhamma with the caveat that it is given as we humbly understand it.

Metta

[uphokyhuP]

Myanmar has bigger problems than this.

[nryFBa9i]

I think compassion is the answer to solve the conflict.

Oliver, thank you for your suggestions in detail. I understand and agree with you on each one of them. I really hope that some buddhists are engaged in any one of them seriously.

Maybe I should have addressed my concern in a more direct way.

In my perspective, Christians seem to be much more attentive to disasters and conflicts than buddhists are. Christians act swiftly to help people in need, just like helping their own brothers and sisters.

Buddhists are much more focused on cultivating their inner qualities. Maybe it is everything that Buddhism is about. They even seem disinterested in actively helping people who are tragically affected by disasters or conflicts.

I know that I should not generalize too much, but this is a weakness that I see in Buddhism today. That is why I admire the idea of Engaged Buddhism by Thich Nhat Hanh, who lived through the Vietnam War as a Buddhist monk.

I was wondering if someone in this forum would voice his/her good intention to do something about this conflict, or at least develop some interest in it. It may be happening in a remote place, but when I contemplate on the suffering that these Rohingyas and Burmese may be going through, I feel it like being in a hell.

[tramadoldiscountes]

Myanmar has bigger problems than this.

OK. Therefore...... ?

[tsovimnpb]

OK. Therefore...... ?

Perhaps the serious Theravada practitioners in Myanmar have their handsful with those.

[F1grandprix]

It is "ethnic tensions". My impression is that it is political not religious.
The media are bad, they use umbrella terms to distinguish the people involved. It is this kind of generalisation which leads to further ignorance and anger. My guess would be that for those concerned, these aren't distinct categories so I'm not sure how much sense it makes to impose external categories on the situation. If the guy burning a house in the next village doesn't distinguish between its inhabitant's ethnic identity and her religious identity, what justification do we have for doing so?

In my perspective, Christians seem to be much more attentive to disasters and conflicts than buddhists are. Christians act swiftly to help people in need, just like helping their own brothers and sisters.

Buddhists are much more focused on cultivating their inner qualities. Maybe it is everything that Buddhism is about. They even seem disinterested in actively helping people who are tragically affected by disasters or conflicts.

I know that I should not generalize too much, but this is a weakness that I see in Buddhism today. That is why I admire the idea of Engaged Buddhism by Thich Nhat Hanh, who lived through the Vietnam War as a Buddhist monk. I think that's fairly true. Where is the Buddhist equivalent of liberation theology? Because when you've been outflanked on the left by the Catholic church, you know something's gone badly wrong. Here in Thailand, Buddhism is deeply involved in the state and it's overwhelmingly a force for reaction and conservatism (there are some exceptions, of course, but they're pretty thin on the ground). And on the subject of the Rohyinga, there are well documented cases of refugees arriving in Thailand being viciously assaulted by Thai soldiers before being towed out to sea and abandoned with no supplies or power; they're just left to die by the Thai authorities. It's atrocious how these guys are treated and there is no excuse or justification for any of it.

Myanmar has bigger problems than this. I disagree. 'Myanmar' doesn't have problems - the people who live there do. And I don't think there are many bigger problems than being made homeless or being murdered.

[Mabeavyledlib]

I think that's fairly true. Where is the Buddhist equivalent of liberation theology?

It's called Engaged Buddhism, I thought there was one organisation named this but a quick google shows there are lots, but yes Christianity places more emphasis on this sort of thing than other religions.

I disagree. 'Myanmar' doesn't have problems - the people who live there do. And I don't think there are many bigger problems than being made homeless or being murdered.

Well I wasn't talking about the animals. When one group small group of people has total control over the rest of the population and abuses that power then I don't think we can blame "the people" as a whole. Yes there aren't many bigger problems than people being murdered, tortured etc but it's been happening everywhere in Myanmar for several decades now not just in one border region, hopefully things are starting to change.

[Annyllop21]

It's called Engaged Buddhism, I thought there was one organisation named this but a quick google shows there are lots, but yes Christianity places more emphasis on this sort of thing than other religions. It's a bit off-topic but in terms of its critical engagement and commitment to social justice, Engaged Buddhism is a long, long way off liberation theology, or even mainstream Catholic social teaching, which has an explicit "preferential option for the poor". I think Engaged Buddhism is great as far as it goes. It just doesn't go very far.

[ebonytipchik]

I think Engaged Buddhism is great as far as it goes. It just doesn't go very far.

Fair comment.

[MzTT]

Oliver, thank you for your suggestions in detail. I understand and agree with you on each one of them. I really hope that some buddhists are engaged in any one of them seriously.

Maybe I should have addressed my concern in a more direct way.

In my perspective, Christians seem to be much more attentive to disasters and conflicts than buddhists are. Christians act swiftly to help people in need, just like helping their own brothers and sisters.

Buddhists are much more focused on cultivating their inner qualities. Maybe it is everything that Buddhism is about. They even seem disinterested in actively helping people who are tragically affected by disasters or conflicts.

I know that I should not generalize too much, but this is a weakness that I see in Buddhism today. That is why I admire the idea of Engaged Buddhism by Thich Nhat Hanh, who lived through the Vietnam War as a Buddhist monk.

I was wondering if someone in this forum would voice his/her good intention to do something about this conflict, or at least develop some interest in it. It may be happening in a remote place, but when I contemplate on the suffering that these Rohingyas and Burmese may be going through, I feel it like being in a hell.

Hello
I see your point. Philosophically it is because Buddhists must help themselves to be able to help others (spiritually) where as Christians simply can help others and have faith in Christ to achieve their spiritual goal. I guess the bible says help others is a duty. I am generalising, but this is why I think we may see Christians acting where Buddhists are not visibly active.

I sympathise and feel it must be like hell too. I can see how this can lead to questioning Buddhism in light of local issues. So thanks for raising this. I would be interested in the continued views on that topic too.

[TOD4wDTQ]

My guess would be that for those concerned, these aren't distinct categories so I'm not sure how much sense it makes to impose external categories on the situation. If the guy burning a house in the next village doesn't distinguish between its inhabitant's ethnic identity and her religious identity, what justification do we have for doing so?

You are right. I saw in another thread that Thai people use the wordsThai and Buddhist almost interchangeably. Maybe it is the same for Burmese and Rohingyas. If so, local people might not have clear distinction between their religious and ethnic identities.

It is my personal perception that creates an aversion in my mind when I see/hear that "Buddhists" are killing and burning, etc. I WANT the distinct categories!

[Emunsesoxmete]

I can see how this can lead to questioning Buddhism in light of local issues. So thanks for raising this. I would be interested in the continued views on that topic too.

Thanks again. I have Christian friends and I sometimes go to church on Sundays. Although I do not see myself a Christian, I tend to compare it with Buddhism, to which I am much more inclined to.

I think my original question was too political to answer, and I did not address my deeper concern. I'm thinking of starting a new thread on this subject......

[VowJoyday]

You are right. I saw in another thread that Thai people use the wordsThai and Buddhist almost interchangeably. Maybe it is the same for Burmese and Rohingyas. If so, local people might not have clear distinction between their religious and ethnic identities.

I think you might find in Burma the conflict is understood as being between the Rohingyas and the Rakhines. Because few foreigners know anything about these two ethnic groups the foreign media has to find another way of identifying the differences, religion is the obvious one and so a religious conflict is born.

[Roker]

I think you might find in Burma the conflict is understood as being between the Rohingyas and the Rakhines. Because few foreigners know anything about these two ethnic groups the foreign media has to find another way of identifying the differences, religion is the obvious one and so a religious conflict is born.

Yes, I think so too. The media uses the most obvious labels that can be immediately understood by the audience. Thank you for showing the correct names.

[Lyikmcmb]

Oliver, thank you for your suggestions in detail. I understand and agree with you on each one of them. I really hope that some buddhists are engaged in any one of them seriously.

Maybe I should have addressed my concern in a more direct way.

In my perspective, Christians seem to be much more attentive to disasters and conflicts than buddhists are. Christians act swiftly to help people in need, just like helping their own brothers and sisters.

Buddhists are much more focused on cultivating their inner qualities. Maybe it is everything that Buddhism is about. They even seem disinterested in actively helping people who are tragically affected by disasters or conflicts.

I know that I should not generalize too much, but this is a weakness that I see in Buddhism today. That is why I admire the idea of Engaged Buddhism by Thich Nhat Hanh, who lived through the Vietnam War as a Buddhist monk.

I was wondering if someone in this forum would voice his/her good intention to do something about this conflict, or at least develop some interest in it. It may be happening in a remote place, but when I contemplate on the suffering that these Rohingyas and Burmese may be going through, I feel it like being in a hell.

Hi CompassionGiver,
IMO, the reason Christians seem more involved in disasters etc. is because of their belief system. Christians believe that you only have one shot at salvation and that is in this life. You must believe in Christ now or suffer an eternity in hell. This creates a sense of urgency to reach those who need the "gospel" and who would listen to what you have to say easier than the person you just saved from starvation or rebuilt their home, etc. Most of what Christians do from a charity perspective is a means to proselytize.

In Buddhism we see that there are many chances, many lives to accomplish salvation (enlightenment).

I'm not sure what I could do about what is going on in Myanmar? What could you do? If you walk into the middle of a cultural situation that you know nothing about you could make things worse not better.

Dukkha is everywhere not just Myanmar. (1st Noble Truth) How do we stop Dukkha? Follow the 8 Fold Path. (4th Noble Truth)

Buddhists focus on our "inner qualities" because we know that the only way for Dukkha to stop is by this focus.

1. Right view
2. Right intention
3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelihood
6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration

If you look at each of these you will see that they all start with what is considered "inner qualities". Actually there are no inner qualities as opposed to outer qualities.

If you attach to injustice that is happening in Myanmar or anywhere for that matter, you have abandoned the Path. See the injustice and try to help but do not attach.

We practice Dana (generosity) as Buddhist for many reasons but the best Dana is that which has no reason, no giver, no gift, no one to receive the gift. Dana includes giving of all types including of ourselves. Many times we focus on what is happening over there and miss what we should be doing here and now. It's easier to rail against injustice on the other side of the world rather than realize that we mistreat those we contact every day.

If one person attains enlightenment that is of far greater good for the world than if you feed a million. One person set free from the three poisons (greed, hate, delusion) can have a greater impact than you could imagine. (i.e. The Buddha!) What is the cause of the problems in Myanmar? It's one of the poisons, greed, hate or delusion. It may be all of them.

Matthew 7:3 "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" Jesus was speaking of the 3rd poison of delusion here. Buddhist should focus on personal attainment because that is the only way to solve the worlds problems, one person at a time, and the only person I can change is ME!

Hands Palm to Palm,
Rhysman

[NickGrass]

Christians believe that you only have one shot at salvation and that is in this life. You must believe in Christ now or suffer an eternity in hell. This creates a sense of urgency to reach those who need the "gospel" and who would listen to what you have to say easier than the person you just saved from starvation or rebuilt their home, etc. Most of what Christians do from a charity perspective is a means to proselytize. Partly but also because a possible summary of the new testament is "Love your neighbour". Some Christian charity is given out of base reasons but some is undoubtedly given out of that peculiarly Christian type of love.

If one person attains enlightenment that is of far greater good for the world than if you feed a million. I take it that that's some kind of rhetorical claim which I'm failing to understand; nobody could really believe that their salvation is worth a million lives.

Buddhist should focus on personal attainment because that is the only way to solve the worlds problems No it's not. Sitting on a cushion isn't going to stop climate change or another war in the Gulf or any of the other horrors which lie in wait for us. Personal attainment is an admirable goal but it's solipsism of the highest order to think it's going to change the world.

[Kafuuil]

Christians believe that you only have one shot at salvation and that is in this life......In Buddhism we see that there are many chances, many lives to accomplish salvation (enlightenment).

Thank you for showing the nice and clear contrast. Sometimes I wish Buddhists could have the same level of urgency as Christians do.

If you walk into the middle of a cultural situation that you know nothing about you could make things worse not better.

Of course, NO ONE would want to walk into a situation without careful planning. It would be a suicide.

If you attach to injustice that is happening in Myanmar or anywhere for that matter, you have abandoned the Path. See the injustice and try to help but do not attach.

I understand your point about attachment. My question is "how to see the injustice and try to help," as you wrote above.

If one person attains enlightenment that is of far greater good for the world than if you feed a million.

How can you be so sure? I once believed like this too. I was young and idealistic. Christians and many other people would SERIOUSLY question this belief.