An Inspiring Dhamma Discourse that Defies Darkness
The following essay submission comes from someone requesting anonymity due to safety concerns.
Recently, a news story has been circulating across social media platforms and YouTube, casting light upon the Inauguration Ceremony of the Māravijaya Buddha Statue—an exceptional marble marvel touted as the largest of its kind in the world. Crafted under the watch of the current military junta in Myanmar, this event has stirred a mixture of reactions due to the regime's history of brutality and oppression. The junta's leader, Min Aung Hlaing, spearheaded the creation of this monumental Buddha Statue, a venture that might have been dismissed as a “vanity project” by many in light of the junta's controversial reputation. Nonetheless, on August 1, 2023, a grand inauguration ceremony unfolded, graced by the presence of 900 monks hailing from local monastic communities and various Buddhist nations.
This ambitious project, as described by the junta-controlled media, carried a price tag of 58 billion kyat (equivalent to US$27.6 million). The junta's official stance was that this endeavor aimed to spotlight the flourishing state of Buddhism within Myanmar and serve as a beacon of peace for both the nation and the global community. However, juxtaposed with this grand spectacle are grim realities— since the military coup in 2021, over 2,000 civilians have lost their lives as a result of the military’s violent crackdowns and interrogations, and an additional 1.2 million individuals have been displaced.
The heart of the news story that captured the attention of countless Myanmar citizens centers around a poignant statement delivered by the Kyaukme Sayadaw, Ven. Candanasāra, who holds the esteemed position of Vice-President of Sangha Mahā Nāyaka. In his sermon, Ven. Candanasāra distilled the profound teachings of Buddhism into three succinct phrases, each articulated through a symbolic three-finger gesture. This proclamation resonated deeply with pro-democracy advocates, not only among Myanmar's Buddhists but also within other faith communities, as it succinctly illuminated the foundational principles that underpin the teachings of all Buddhas.
Many interpreted the Kyaukme Sayadaw's sermon as a veiled critique of the junta's oppressive actions, aligning the Sayadaw's words with Dhammapada verse 183:
“Sabbapāpassa akaraṇaṃ,
kusalassa upasampadā;
Sacitta pariyo dapanaṃ,
etaṃ buddhāna sāsanaṃ."
In addressing the stone inscriptions adorning the colossal Buddha statue, written in Pali, Burmese, and Roman script, Ven. Candanasāra empathized with those who might find them inaccessible. However, he underscored the universality of Buddhism's essence, encapsulating it within three cardinal teachings. The first principle: is abstaining from evil acts—acts that either harm oneself, others, or both. This concept struck a chord with many pro-democracy supporters, who saw it as a tacit denunciation of the junta's actions that had caused widespread suffering and loss.
The second teaching, promoting virtuous deeds and utterances, resonated as a call to action for goodness. The third, purifying one's mind, delved into the eradication of mental defilements—craving, hatred, ignorance, and more—thus fostering inner clarity and tranquility. Ven. Candanasāra emphasized that these teachings are universal to all Enlightened Ones, not solely specific to the newly-constructed Māravijaya Buddha. These principles were eloquently presented in both Burmese and English, bridging language divides.
Concluding with a powerful message, Ven. Candanasāra admonished the junta: while they had celebrated the Buddha's teachings through their statue's construction and by hosting 900 monks, they were now called upon to internalize and enact these teachings as a true homage to the Dhamma.
At the sermon's culmination, it became evident that the junta's leader, Min Aung Hlaing, refrained from joining his palms and chanting "Sadhu" (a term expressing approval and praise) thrice, unlike his junta's vice-chief Soe Win and the others in attendance. Moreover, following this ceremony, the Minister for Religion and Culture, Ko Ko, was relieved of his duties by Min Aung Hlaing, citing “health reasons”'
The Ven. Candanasāra’s discourse evoked widespread acclaim and reflection. It dared to articulate the notion of refraining from evil—undoubtedly a message that the junta's leader found challenging to hear. The speech potentially marred the junta's moment of triumph in completing the statue, which Min Aung Hlaing had hailed as a testament to his guardianship of Myanmar's Buddhist heritage.
Many hailed this discourse as a courageous act befitting a religious leader, particularly a Buddhist monk aligned with the Noble Path illuminated by the Buddha. Ven. Candanasāra's decision to underscore the junta's shortcomings by withholding traditional gestures of respect drew attention, adding an air of tension to the occasion. Notably, the three-finger salute he employed echoed the emblematic gesture used by protestors across Myanmar during the ongoing revolution against military rule, transforming it into a silent testament of resilience and defiance.
Burmese citizens who longed for a voice to speak out against the junta's injustices found solace in Ven. Candanasāra's fearless address. Buddhists were especially gratified by his authoritative pronouncement on behalf of the Sangha. The discourse circulated widely on social media platforms, amassing numerous comments expressing gratitude, well-wishes, and admiration for his unwavering stance. In these tributes, he was hailed as "the true heir of Lord Buddha."
In this unfolding saga, the Kyaukme Sayadaw's discourse stands as a testimony to the enduring power of Buddhism to inspire moral courage, even in the face of adversity. His words continue to reverberate, holding the junta accountable for their actions and echoing the eternal principles of compassion, virtue, and wisdom that underpin the teachings of the Buddha.