INEB statement of support for demonstrations by Buddhist Monks in Burma

The International Network of Engaged Buddhists: INEB statement of support for demonstrations by Buddhist Monks in Burma
Tue 25 Sep 2007

Statement of Support for Peaceful Demonstrations by Buddhist Monks in Burma

The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB), a global network of activists, spiritual leaders, academics, and organizations from all Buddhist sects, who integrate the practice of Buddhism and social action for a healthy, just and peaceful world, hereby wish to convey our strongest support and solidarity with the Buddhists monks and the people of Burma who are peacefully calling for the end of social and political suffering in Burma. In particular, we:

-strongly support the peaceful expressions of the loving-kindness and compassion for Burmese society by the Buddhist monks across Burma. We also support their demands:
-for the SPDC to offer their apologies to the monks for their violent actions last month
-to reduce all commodity prices, fuel prices, rice and cooking oil prices immediately
-to release all political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and all detainees arrested in ongoing demonstrations over the fuel price hike,
-to enter into dialogue with democratic forces and ethnic nationalities for national reconciliation immediately
-to resolve the crises and difficulties faced by the people.
-welcome the State and Peace Development Council’s (SPDC) restraint in the use of violent means on the first day (September 18,2007) of demonstrations by Buddhist monks in various towns and cities across Burma, except the use of tear gas and violent break up of the demonstrations in Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State in western Burma. We also welcome the release of three monks, one novice, and ten other protesters who were arrested on Tuesday afternoon in Sittwe.
-are, however, extremely concerned over the latest news report of the SPDC’s secret declaration of a state of emergency which authorized regional and local authorities to use violent means, including an order to open fire, in cracking down on the demonstrations.
-urge the SPDC, who are also Buddhists, to apply and practice wisdom (panna), loving-kindness (metta) and compassion (karuna) in responding to the current situation by:

1. banning the authorization and use of all violent means in dealing with all demonstrations in Burma, including the use of tear gas, opening fire, and the hiring of local thugs (Swan Arr Shin and the SPDC’s proxy, USDA) to confront and crackdown on the peaceful protests, and to arrest and beat up demonstrators.
2. stopping the surveillance and all restrictions on monasteries and temples.
3. allowing peaceful demonstrations and expressions of concern and care for society by Buddhist monks and the people of Burma.
4. allowing independent media to cover the current events without restriction so that both sides of the story can be known and heard.
5. begin entering into dialogue and working for solution with Buddhist monks who play a very significant role as spiritual, cultural and social leaders in Burmese society.

INEB believes that every human being, including the personnel of SPDC, has the seed of Buddha, the potential for awakening and enlightenment. We hope the SPDC will take the current situation as an opportunity to let the seeds of Buddha within them grow by awakening to the need to start resolving the crises facing Burma through releasing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, all political prisoners including imprisoned ethnic nationalities’ leaders, and starting a meaningful and compassionate dialogue with all relevant parties.

We will continue watching Burma closely with our utmost concern and we send our best wishes to all people of Burma. May Peace Prevail in Burma very soon!

International Network of Engaged Buddhists
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Klongsan, Bangkok 10600 THAILAND
Ph.:+66 2 860 2194, mobile ph.:+66 89 150 8084
fax:+66 2 437 7201
e-mail : ineboffice@yahoo.com
website: www.inebnetwork.org