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Buddhism, Modernity and Power (in Burma) Mary P. Callahan University of Washington 14 July 2005 mpc@u.washington.edu

Agenda Buddhism, Modernity and Power => “Socially Engaged Buddhism(s)” In the 1990s, direction of Buddhism at heart of elite politics in Burma

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Buddhism S.E. Asia: Theravada Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Burma Key concepts: Kamma, damma, merit Sangha, laity, state World conqueror vs. world renouncer

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“Socially Engaged Buddhism”

Against: “… Burmese Buddhism has a tendency to render people passive and complacent rather than as political actors vigilant for change…” – Min Zin, 2003

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Sulak Sivaraksa “Non-violence does not mean inaction or apathy. Sometimes, the consequence of one's inaction may be as terrible as that of one's action.”

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Burma: Context Since independence in 1948, continuous (un)civil warfare Current regime: SPDC (formerly SLORC), military junta since 1988

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Religious Affiliation Buddhist: 89% Christian: 4% Muslim: 4% Animist: 1% Other: 2%

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Dealing with Modernity in the 1990s Junta, Hierarchy    vs. Enlightenment via monks Scripturalist Nibbana via patronage Attempt to forge singularity of voice of state/sangha/laity Resisters Enlightenment via vipassana meditation Engagement in disciplined moral action Nibbana via meditation, moral action Attempt to find alternative

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From Irrawaddy Online: "The ancient scriptures say that only powerful and glorious kings can possess a real white elephant," remarked one Rangoon resident who joined the crowd gathered to see the precious pachyderm at its temporary home near Mindhama Hill, in Rangoon’s Insein Township. "I believe that our country will become more peaceful and developed soon," he added.

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Donations

Resisters

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Conversion

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So what?