Monk-led Protests Show Buddhist Activism

Andrew Arniotes

Citation: Monk-led protests show Buddhist activism
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080330/ap_on_re_as/asia_buddha_s_militants;_ylt=ApOkPjNMvFQ40.P0i9HLXwABxg8F
By Denis D. Gray, Associated Press Writer
Sun Mar 30, 1:38 AM ET

Summary: The religion of Buddhism is mainly known for its belief of remaining away from politics and embracing enemies, but recently a different side of Buddhist’s has been shown. Violence and political activism are seem more commonly in Buddhist societies, located in Asia. Monks and Nuns are no longer just seen in monasteries, but noticed in the streets, very often protesting against oppressive regimes, social injustice and environmental destruction. Samdhong Rinpoche, prime minister of the Tibetan government says, “In modern times, preaching is not enough.” He feels monks need to act in order to improve society. Many protests have aroused over the past three weeks throughout Asia. Crimson-robed monks in Thailand charged at troops throwing rocks and demanded independence from China. From this protest alone 140 Tibetans were killed. Uprising in Myanmar also occurred where monks led a protest against the oppressive military.

In the past there is a side of Buddhism not commonly seem. Even though Buddhism is known for its passivity and peacefulness, “an aggressive strain has long existed.” Monks in Japan fought pitched battles over 600-1600 years, and China’s Shaolin Temple or martial arts originally trained warrior monks in the 7th century and used them to stop rebellions. In 1959 a monk assassinated a prime minister, and before China’s takeover in Tibet monks wielded more power and weaponry than the army. Overall Buddhist monks in modern day are looking for social, economic and political causes for human misery and trying to change them. Many scholars doubt that these protests, and sometimes violent rebellions will lead to terrorism.

Reaction:
A) The AP World History this article deals with is Development and interaction of cultures, because it deals with the development of Buddhism. This article shows how Buddhism has progressed over the years and how Buddhist monk’s views remain the same but their way of achieving change is now a bit different.

B) Created by the original Buddha or Siddhartha Gautama, Buddhism is considered a way of life where one seeks to reach nirvana. Also known as the “middle way”, Buddhism is a non-violent religion, and a religion where you develop inner peace, kindness and wisdom through daily practice. Buddhists try not to harm others and attempt to live a peaceful life with all beings.

C-D) The point of view is from a male journalist, his nationality is unknown. I doubt he is Asian judging by his last name. He is an outsider not being involved in the actual event. The author’s point of view does change the way the article is presented. It seems to me that his view on this issue is that Buddhism has been changing negatively, and has some bad things in its past. When he writes, “eruptions of violence,” and “ an aggressive strain has long existed,” I do feel he shows bias on this issue.

E) The missing point of view in this article I think is the view of a Buddhist monk. Other people describe their motives, but we never hear how an actual monk goes about forming these rebellions and if he feels that violence is necessary at times, even if it does conflict with original beliefs.

F) I personally feel that just because original Buddhism beliefs do not allow violence, in some cases violence may be necessary. If these monks are not being heard, and no change is being made, peaceful preaching may not do the trick. I enjoyed this article since I learned more about the Buddhist culture, and the struggles monks are facing.