Buddhist Monks in Burma

In Burma, also known as Myanmar, about 89% of the population is Buddhist, and the monks are highly respected there. There is a close relationship between the people of Burma and the monks.

Monks have existed in Burma for almost 1000 years

According to the US Department of State's country background information, Theravada Buddhism has been around since the Bagan Dynasty in 1044 AD. The teachings that Theravada Buddhism is based on were written hundreds of years earlier than even that. They are a long-standing and integral part of most communities in Burma.

According to the website of the Theravada Buddhist Society of America, Theravada means "way of the elders." It is widely practiced in Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos, and Cambodia.

How do the monks live?

According to the BBC's information on religion, Theravada monks generally live in monastic communities. After entering the community, they are given an education, and have support provided to them and their families. However, both monks and nuns have to learn 227 rules of Buddhism during their training. They are not allowed to eat after noon, nor can they handle money. There are monastic communities in every part of the country, and they have a lot of interaction with the people.

What is the relationship between the monks and the people?

The monks in this form of Buddhism have a close relationship with the regular people of the country, according to the BBC information. They need the people to provide them with necessities, such as food, clothing, and medicine. In return, the monks provide blessings and teachings. Neither side may request anything from the other-they must simply choose to give.

The monks can choose not to provide religious services to certain people, if they wish. They can also refuse to accept donations from people. Donating to the monks is a way of building up spiritual "credit" so refusing donations prevents these people from participating in an important aspect of the religion, and is effectively a punishment.

Burmese Monks and Protests

The monks in Burma have a history of protests and political interaction. This is because during the monarchic period of Burmese history, they acted as a go-between for the monarch and the people. In the 1930's, they protested against British colonialism, and other unpopular governments that existed after that.There are hundreds of thousands of monks in Burma. They can be an overwhelming force if they all choose to join together behind one cause.