Tragedy in Myanmar - New LJ community in reponse

[mijan]

I've started a public community.  I don't know if this will work, or if it's doomed from the start, but feel that I have to give it a try. 

In case you've been hiding under a box, there have been protests in recent days in Myanmar (small country, used to be called Burma, between China, Thailand, and Bangladesh) because the government raised the fuel prices.  It sounds trite, but bear in mind that these people are amongst the poorest in the world, and can barely afford the basic necessities as it is.  So, this is a huge burden on these people.

The people started peaceful protests.  Marches.  Trying to get the government to listen to them.  And then, this:

"Witnesses said the violent crackdown came as about 100 monks defied a ban by venturing into a cordoned-off area around the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Authorities ordered the crowd to disperse, but witnesses said the monks sat down and began praying, defying the military government's ban on public assembly."

At this point, the monks were beaten and arrested.  Violence began in earnest.  Other protesters were assaulted.  Soldiers opened fire on protesters who refused to disperse.  Several people have already died, and more will follow.    However, in my mind, I can't get rid of the image of these monks, sitting down to pray peacefully, and having armed soldiers descend on them to beat and assault them.  (Later, the soldiers entered the monasteries and arrested more of the monks, and I'm sure they weren't treating them with kid gloves either.)  The very idea of attacking a peaceful group of monks, praying... it makes me ill.  These are some of the most peaceful people in the world. 

So, I had an idea.  What if people, of all religions, carried on what the monks were unable to do?  What if we all got together to pray?  And I mean EVERYONE.

If you know me, you know I'm not a religious person.  I don't formally pray, at least, not in any way recognized by any of the major religions.  However, I would defend anyone's right to pray in any way they wish.  Indeed, I'd probably defend it to the death.  There are few human rights that are more important.  And I want to support that right, and to support the people of Myanmar.  I started a LJ community, with the hope that people will spread this like wildfire.

Here's the community link:
the_world_prays

Please read what I had to say.  Please join.  Please pass it on.  You don't have to be of any specific religion.  You don't even need to be strictly "religious".  (I'm not religious, myself.)   Even if you're atheist or agnostic, but simply wish to join with other human beings in fellowship to support the people in Myanmar, come to show your support and add your voice to those crying out for peace and human rights! This is about human rights, and supporting our fellow human beings.  Will you join me?

Comments

[vampireanneke.livejournal.com]

My mother says this isn't the first time this has happened in that country. That the monks are known to be rather 'political' and go into such situations (as they have done so in the past), and get themselves injuried for the publicity.

[mijan.livejournal.com]

They've put themselves in harm's way, yes, but hasn't every revolutionary? People with a vision for something better for their people always risk something when they challenge authority. In a nation where the people have few resources and fewer rights, how else will they get their cause noticed? How else will they get the world to help? The monks know what they're doing, and they're doing the right thing. Would it be better for them to hide behind the walls of their monasteries while the people outside the walls suffer? I still feel we should support them.

[kawaiililme.livejournal.com]

Buddhist monks in Southeast Asia have had to contend with various provisos and prejudices against their religion and way of life in the last century, if not longer. They aren't different from any other protest group when they choose to take a stand and attempt to make a difference in their country through peaceful demonstrations. I expect they aren't going out with the intention to be injured but with the recognition that it may happen and that they're willing to take that risk for their beliefs, which is really commendable. And if their ultimate desire is publicity so that the world will pay attention to their plight and pressure their government for change...why is that wrong? It's often an effective method.

[lurkitty.livejournal.com]

In 1988, Buddhist monks were indeed involved in a peaceful protest. At the height of the protest, military police shaved their heads and dressed themselves in monks robes and threw some bricks. This gave the military the excuse they needed to open fire. 3000 unarmed people, including monks, were killed in the bloodbath that followed.

Yes. I'd say they got some publicity.

Right now, they are beating and arresting the monks involved, as well as shutting down the media. At least 500 monks have been arrested, and news of 100 beatings has reached western sources so far, so, yes, they're getting some more publicity. 5 monks so far have been killed, that we know of. That's an awfully high price to pay for publicity.

[abovethestars.livejournal.com]

I can not stand up and clap louder for this idea. I just joined and will be passing on the link to my flist. Thank you for starting this community to get the word about this. And if there is anything I can do to support you in this journal, I would love to help.

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Just pass it on. That's all I ask. And get up and do something about it in your community. :)

[spinozauk.livejournal.com]

“What if we all got together to pray? ... You don’t even need to be religious”: Um, yes, you *do* need to be religious if you’re going to pray. For atheists (like me and millions of others), praying would be nonsensical - and, if I tried doing it, it would actually be offensive to the feelings of my religious friends. You need to think this through a bit more.
Apart from that, I’m 100 per cent behind the Burmese people, including the monks (and nuns), against the regime that has been brutalising them *for 45 years*. Of course they seek publicity - it’s the only way that outsiders will find out what’s being done to them. That’s a point in their favour, not a criticism of them.
By the way, a major part of the problem is that French, Chinese and Indian corporations are deeply involved in the brutality. It’s not a coincidence that the French, Chinese and Indian governments are preventing any outside help being given. Sadly, praying won’t change *their* behaviour. If it helps to bring attention to the suffering of the Burmese people, I can’t object to it, but please try to understand and respect the reasons why many of us can’t - and shouldn’t - join in.

[mijan.livejournal.com]

I'm not "religious", but I believe in God. There's a big difference. Being religious means you're part of an organized religion, and typically follow some sort of dogmatic practice. I belong to NO religion. I do NOT follow dogma of any sort. But I do pray, in my own way. So, no, you don't have to be religious. Notice that I listed "Spiritualists" on the community post. To me, that covers people who consider themselves to be "spiritual" (like me), but don't like religion. As I said, big difference.

You're right: praying won't change the behaviours of the governments that are instigating the brutality. However, large numbers of people gathering together WILL show support for the people of Myanmar, and there IS strength in numbers.

And I did edit the entry. This is what I added:

"And if you're atheist or agnostic, but simply wish to join with other human beings in fellowship to support the people in Myanmar, come to show your support!"

Does that help?

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Another question - you don't have anyone listed as a "friend" on your LJ. Nobody lists you as a friend. You have no profile and no identity. You seem extremely random here. What brings you to my LJ?

And on another note... nobody is trying to force you to join anything. I'm not the government. I'm not banging down your front door, demanding you come pray. I completely respect your right not to engage in *anything* related to religion. I'm glad you also hope that something can be done to alleviate the suffering of the Burmese people (I still want to call Myanmar "Burma".) If you feel strongly about it, do something about it. My idea was just one idea. It doesn't have to be the only one.

[mijan.livejournal.com]

One last thought...

Do you understand that Buddhism is not necessarily a theistic religion? Many Buddhists are atheists.

How 'bout them apples?

[spinozauk.livejournal.com]

“I'm not ‘religious’, but I believe in God. There's a big difference”: Not to divert the thread from the real issue, but (IMHO) that’s nonsense. Call it religion, call it spirituality, call it whatever you like, it’s still talking to an imaginary friend. But let’s just disagree on that and move on.
“Large numbers of people gathering together WILL show support for the people of Myanmar, and there IS strength in numbers”: Gathering on a LiveJournal community to pray to an imaginary friend and talk to each other? Makes no difference at all. Gathering to protest, and using LJ to publicise the protest? *That* would help. To the extent that the community might achieve that, as I said, I can’t object.
“You have no profile and no identity. You seem extremely random here. What brings you to my LJ?”: I have no profile and no identity because I choose not to have them, but congratulations on the detective work. ; ) I came across your entry by accident.
“Do you understand that Buddhism is not necessarily a theistic religion? Many Buddhists are atheists”: Yes, thankyou, I do know all that. So what?
What matters - more than my profile or my identity, or your intentions, or any LiveJournal community - is doing whatever can be done to help the people of Burma. I salute your good intentions, I really do, I just think that you’re not thinking things through. Wouldn’t it be a better use of your time and energy - and mine too, of course - to get off the computer and out there in the real world, where praying does no good, and it’s governments and corporations that need to be yelled at?
Anyway, I apologise if my comment(s) seemed intrusive. My intentions too were good, but I'll stop here.

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Ah, understood.

I don't want this to be just a stupid little LJ community. I'm trying to use it like a bulletin board to put an idea out there for people to pass on. (I have a few hundred people who follow my LJ. And they have their own f-lists. It's a start.) Did you read the message I posted on that community? My suggestion to people was to GATHER in PUBLIC as a show of support for the people of Burma/Myanmar. The "praying" idea was because that's what the monks were doing when they were beaten and arrested. They were praying in public, exercising something that *should* be a basic human right, and they were mauled. I had felt that by doing what they were doing, it would be a complete show of support. Hell, I haven't technically "prayed" since I was a kid, forced to do it in school. I just figure, this is as good a reason as any.

So, yes, I'm trying to get people to gather in large numbers in protest. I'm going to post this idea in other locations, too. I run a Yahoo group of 2400 people, and while that's not enough, they live in many different countries, and have their own network of friends. I'm part of a Pagan meetup group in my city. I'm going to make some phone calls, spreading the idea around, and asking other people to spread the idea. I sent copies of the message to a few media sources to see if any of them would repeat it.

I'm going to organize a group of people in my area to gather at the Plaza (downtown) area of my city. I hope for everyone to wear red (in honor of the monks), carry a few signs to let people know what we're doing (and inviting them to join us), and try to make this into an event of cooperation between people, regardless of religion (or lack thereof). Beyond the "imaginary friend" concept... I do know that if enough people put their energy and intent into a cause, it can make a difference. An easy way for people to focus energy is to pray, but there are other ways, too. Carrying signs, waving flags, showing support for people who are struggling for their basic human needs... that helps.

Anyway, I still maintain that there is a difference between "religious" and "spiritual". A religion is an organized set of rules and dogma. I don't like organized dogmatic BS and people telling me what to believe, and will have no part in any religion. I study philosophy and matters related to spirituality out of curiosity, and I have my own private beliefs. I'm actually a scientist, first and foremost, and I don't blindly believe anything. That's all. *shrugs*

Don't worry, you didn't seem intrusive. I think you caught half of what I was saying, and didn't see all of it, perhaps. And yes, we have some differences of opinion. I have no problem with you, so no worries. I had suspected that you were a troll at first, only here to cause havoc. I apologize for my mistake.

Anyway, I've been busy all day, but I'm heading out this afternoon. I don't ever spend "all day" on the computer. Too much to do. Two jobs, plus I'm a softball coach. Joy. But, my best wishes to you. Cheers!

[spinozauk.livejournal.com]

Thanks for that. Remembering what happened in Burma in 1988, I'd been getting pessimistic about what might happen this time round, and getting impatient with a lot of the commentary about it on the internet (not just on LiveJournal). I guess I offloaded too much of that here. But no, I'm not a troll, just a lurker with not much to say about anything.
Best wishes to you too.

[kawaiililme.livejournal.com]

Thanks mijan! This is a fantastic idea. I posted about it in my LJ and joined the comm. I *am* pretty religious, and I pray daily, but I agree that even those who don't should be able to get behind this idea with a genuine wish for peace and equality. Three cheers!

[lurkitty.livejournal.com]

Thank you - I joined and will continue to pray for Burma. The reason many of us continue to call the country Burma is in defiance of the junta. The people call it Burma, the military calls it Myanmar.

There is a movement to wear red on Friday for Burma. This is another action to consider.

I disagree that prayer does not change minds. Prayer moves mountains.

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Ah! I think I shall wear red on Friday!

Will you spread the word?

[lurkitty.livejournal.com]

It's on my journal right now, along with an update of news from Burma. ;)

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Excellent. Thank you.

[lily-fayline.livejournal.com]

Great initiative! I will join the community, and will be wearing red today...

[evilimp.livejournal.com]

As someone who's been to Burma, met the Burmese people (men, women, children, monks and even soldiers) I believe something should be done to alleviate the suffering of the Burmese. But at the risk of sounding cynical, I do not believe that prayer or a LJ community dedicated to it will do the trick. What needs to be done is for the world at large to be educated on what is and has been happening in the country. Before the diplomatic briefing I received the night we docked an hour out of Yangon I knew very little about the country I was about to enter. In the United States a handful of educated people know that Burma has one of the highest number of human rights violations in the world, but few know that before the military regime took over it was one of the most modernized countries in Southeast Asia. Today there is little access to internet or phone, it is illegal to bring anything with an un-registered modem into the country, and the use of credit cards and American Dollars is illegal. It is also technically illegal to enter the country by sea or by road (obviously there are some cruise ships that get around this).
The Burmese people live in constant fear, not of the armed guards that walk the street, but of the plain clothed ones and of their neighbors. These are the people with the power to report them to the government with supposed or real violations of the law. Speaking to a foreigner when not selling them something, let alone inviting one into your house can be punishable by death. Speaking out against the government is also punishable by death, along with any number of other injections plastered to billboards throughout the cities. The democratically elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is imprisoned in her own home and urges tourists to stay out of the country, to stop funding the government by purchasing things such alcohol, teak, rubies and diamonds, by going to tourist sites, going on tours and frequenting the tourist areas.
The Burmese people are one of the most wonderful, beautiful and kind groups of people I have ever met. There is such hope in them, despite the situation in which they currently reside. For the most part they are largely uneducated because universities have been outlawed since the 1989 revolt. I did not meet a single person who did not have a smile on their face, who was not willing to do all that they could or more to help you. The monks and children I met in an orphanage were probably some of the most well-off common people in their area. They had clothing, food and roofs above their heads, they were being taught to read, to write, to do math and to pray, they held my hand, colored with me and played games. They still had hope, if only because they didn't know there was a reason not to.
I hold Burma and everyone I met there close in my heart. I believe that we can sit here and support the Burmese people; we can take it upon ourselves to educate the people that we know about the injustices that are happening. But in the end, it's up to the Monks, to the next generation of Burmese people to rise up and fight back.

*gets of soap box and returns to lurking in the corner*

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Sadly, most people around here are not educated enough to understand Burma and the plight of its people on a world scale. They don't understand politics in our own country, so I don't know how many people would understand the scope of the problem in Burma.

However, most people will see the violence and know that it's wrong. And having people gather together in public as a show of support can't hurt, and might help motivate our governments to do something.

Mostly, I've noticed that crisis actually seem to bring people together. I've been thinking a lot lately about how fractured the human population really is, and how people don't often come together with people who are completely different from them. I wonder... could people come together, in a show of support for a tragedy we can all recognize?

[lily-fayline.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your soapbox, I have printed your text and will be handing it out to the class I am teaching today (might even give it to both, make something useful out of detention this afternoon as well). As you said: the need to educate, so am educating!

[evilimp.livejournal.com]

Thank you for taking my words to heart and thank you for carrying on the torch for education. The U.S. Campain for Burma is also an amazing sorce of information. . .much better than I am.

[abovethestars.livejournal.com]

I'm going to organize a group of people in my area to gather at the Plaza (downtown) area of my city.

I work in Independence, MO. Can you let me know of you are going to organize something on the Plaza. My husband and I would like to come if we could.

[mijan.livejournal.com]

I asked my Pagan group to join me, but I got no response. I think I'm going to head to the Plaza shortly. I have to work at 1:00, but I'm heading to the Plaza before then, at least for a little while. I'm wearing a faded-maroon shirt (almost the exact same colour the monks wear), and I have a red cloth that I'm going to wrap around my shoulder to look like the clothes they wear. You know - just to make it obvious why I'm there. I don't know about carrying signs, but I think I'll bring a sage stick for incense smoke.

E-mail me at faisons@gmail.com, and I'll send you my phone number so you can find me.

[mori-morwen.livejournal.com]

Mijan, I loved your initiative in creating this community. Sometimes people don't believe that they can try to do something to make the world a better place to live. I believe that those monks were doing that. They were just praying and in a kind of way protesting peacefully by doing that. So did you when you took the initiative to create this community. It's a small gesture that maybe a lot of people would think ineffective. But it isn't ineffective at all!!! I've read some replies to your post and like you I'm a Spiritualist. I do believe in God. I pray too (but not like, for instance, catholic people do) and I'm not a religious person. But I can see how significant this can be. Your suggestion may not resolve the situation in Myanmar, but certainly will make people think about human rights and so many other things... and like that, little by little people will begin to get a new view of the world and will become more responsible for each action they take and will be aware of its consequence.And, who knows? probably you'll inspire other people to take small steps to make the world a better place to live At least that's what I hope.
But I want to tell you that I'm very very glad by your initiative and that surely I'll join the community!!!

*hugs*

[fleurdeliser.livejournal.com]

You are awesome. That is all.

[kupukello.livejournal.com]

There's been a big sms/email/whathaveyou broadcast for "red shirt campaign" today. I can't find but mentions of it many, many blogs, and a facebook group, but the idea in its simplicity is to wear a red shirt today on 28th of September to show your support for Burma, or rather "in support of the Burmese people".

Not that wearing red helps anyone either, really, but it's a nice gesture I suppose.

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Anything that raises awareness helps.

Of course, I live in Kansas City, and the Chiefs are playing tonight. Half the city will be wearing red anyway. *shrugs* I hate football.

I'll join

[avonette.livejournal.com]

Hi Mijan

I have joined this community and you will definitely have my prayers and thoughts. I miss you!!

R.xx

[irresistableplx.livejournal.com]

Reading some of the responses on your post here, I can say that I am quite disappointed with some people who think that these monks are just politicking or doing it for the publicity.

Being an asian, although not part of the Buddhist sect, we have seen these monks as models of virtue to some extent. for them to act this way, begin to take part in rallies and make a stand means that the situation there has crossed the line.

I had been part of the asean people's assembly this year and the conclusion with regard to this issue does not seem to be very promising as member states are hindered by this principle of "non-interference". I'd like to applaud you for taking notice of this issue and actually trying to make a difference in your own capacity.
kudos

[mijan.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the vote of confidence there, and I agree... I was quite disappointed with the feedback I got from some people. They didn't seem to get what I was trying to do. I've studied Buddhism on my own, and I would consider the Buddhist monks to be some of the best examples in the world of how to live. For them to have taken a political stand of any sort... people should KNOW how serious it is, and what it means. I wasn't asking people to become religious if they weren't. I was just asking people to show support.

Alas, I suspect that our world just isn't ready for such open-minded thought.