Reforms of basic Buddhist principles urged
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Buddhist monks are calling for greater unity and autonomy, through a number of proposals submitted to the fifth assembly of Buddhist monks' associations.
One proposal belonging to Mandalay’s revered monk Bhaddanta Kesara Bhivamsa from New Masoeyein Monastery, who is also a member of State Sangha Working Committee urged for amendments in basic institutional principles.
At the assembly, a prominent Buddhist monk, Ashin Nyanissara, also known as the Sitagu Sayadaw, called for the reconstitution of the SSMNC with more capable monks.
“The committee was established in early 1980 under the rule of a single socialist party. So the committee still sees signs of dictatorial rule. The SSMNC (State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee) has no authority,” said Ashin Nyanissara.
It has been 18 years since the third assembly was held in March, 1995 with 1,439 participants. The first took place in 1980 with 1,218 Buddhist monks and the second in 1985 with 1,383 participants.
Religious Affairs Minister Hsan Hsint also delivered a speech at the assembly, which attracted 2,558 Buddhist monks from across the country.
“Some people say disunity reigns in Myanmar’s monk folk,” said Hsan Hsint.
“But we can assume that that’s just a rumour, because there are 2,558 monks attending this assembly. That number represents more than 500,000 monks residing in the country. So this proves that we still have unity and oneness in the monk folk.”
At the assembly, they discussed religious matters ranging from the basic Buddhist institutional principles, the publication of Buddhist treatises, journals and audio CDs under the scrutiny of the SSMNC, the highest level Buddhist monks’ association in Myanmar, to promotion and propagation of Buddhism.
