After the coup d’état in Myanmar, Randy Rosenthal shares why Western Buddhists should feel connected to the birthplace of Vipassana.
Is Buddhism Violent?
Buddhism is a religion of peace. So why do some monks carry guns and preach hatred? In this conversation with Lion’s Roar, religious studies professor Michael Jerryson says that, if you look closely, “violence abounds” in Buddhist doctrine.
The World’s Most Peaceful Religion?
Matthew Gindin reviews “If You Meet the Buddha On the Road: Buddhism, Politics and Violence” by Michael Jerryson.
Commentary: We must address religious nationalism to prevent Buddhism from being perverted into a force for evil
Is the ethnic cleansing in Myanmar rooted in religion, or is it fundamentally a manifestation of secular right-wing nationalism? Khin Mai Aung looks at the role of Buddhism in Myanmar’s ongoing genocide.
Ancient Buddhist city of Bagan added to UNESCO World Heritage List
Bagan, in Maynmar, is one of 29 sites added to UNESCO’s list this year.
Reuters journalists imprisoned in Myanmar released after more than 500 days
Two Reuters journalists who were jailed in Myanmar for reporting on the human rights violations against Rohingya muslims have been freed after more than 500 days in prison.
Who Was Mahasi Sayadaw?
Burmese monk Mahasi Sayadaw helped revolutionize Buddhism. He was a respected scholar, teacher, and meditation master.
Commentary: Why Myanmar Must Develop an Identity of Inclusion
Khin Mai Aung reports from the International Conference on Protection and Accountability in Burma, which called attention to the ongoing human rights violations against religious minorities in the Buddhist-majority country of Myanmar.
How Do Theravada Buddhists View Extremism Within Theravada?
In media reports on religious violence in Sri Lanka and Myanmar, the perspectives of moderate and progressive Buddhists are often invisible. Khin Mai Aung talks to six Theravada Buddhists about Theravada extremism.
Don’t let Aung San Suu Kyi off the hook for her role in the Myanmar genocide
Last week, a prominent Buddhist teacher defended Aung San Suu Kyi, the Buddhist Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Myanmar civilian leader, against allegations that she is party to genocide. Khin Mai Aung explains why that defense doesn’t hold up.