ITHACA, N.Y. — Violence is still raging in Myanmar as the government continues to crackdown on pro-democracy protestors. Many sas it’s the Buddhist monks leading the surge who are paying the price. Reports say some 200 monks could be dead. The Monks at Ithaca’s Namgyal Monastery say they support what their brothers are doing.
“That is one good thing that monks can offer, something for better change,” says Resident Monk Tenzin Thutop.
American author, Thomas Laird, has spent a lot of time with the most famous Buddhist monk on the planet – The Dalai Lama.
Laird says the movement will remain peaceful, as far as the monks are concerned, since those who engage in violence must renounce their vows.
“The monks have refused to take up weapons and they’re opposing an armed state only with truth and their spiritual beliefs. Its an amazing, remarkable thing for the world to see,” said Author Tom Laird.
The Dalai Lama issued a statement through his website when the uprising first started. He said, “I fully support their call for freedom and democracy and take this opportunity to appeal to freedom-loving people all over the world to support such non-violent movements.”
“He’s urging America and other nations to pay attention to what’s going on there,” said Laird.
The Dalai Lama will be in Ithaca next week to bless a new monastery. As the monks prepare for the visit, they say their counterparts in Myanmar will be in their prayers.
“‘We wish for them to over their difficulties, then their nation will be more peaceful,” said Thutop.
The Dalai Lama will be in Ithaca next Tuesday and Wednesday.
He’ll be giving three public speeches at Cornell, Ithaca College and The State Theatre.
