Sinhalese Buddhists and the Myanmar Crisis: A Call for Non-Violence and Harmony

Sinhalese Buddhists in Sri Lanka have no political affiliation with the ongoing ethnic conflicts in Myanmar. Both Sri Lanka and Myanmar share a deep historical and cultural connection as predominantly Theravada Buddhist nations. Our stance is clear: we support peace, harmony, and non-violence, both within our own country and its neighboring territories. This article aims to address the common misconceptions regarding the support of Sinhalese Buddhists for the Myanmar government and the Rohingya issue.

Myanmar's Religious and Ethnic Diversity

Myanmar, a diverse nation with a rich cultural heritage, hosts a vibrant mix of ethnicities and religions. The Rohingya are an ethnic minority primarily residing in the Rakhine State, which borders Bangladesh. They have faced significant human rights abuses and persecution, including violence and forced displacement. Various militant organizations, such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), have carried out acts of violence, which have drawn condemnation from international human rights groups.

Buddhist Teachings and Ideals of Non-Violence

In the midst of such violence, it is important to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha and their relevance today. The famous phrase:

Nahi Verena Verani - sammanthi dha kudachanam
Averena cha sammanthi - Esa dhammo Sanaththano

translates to:

Hatred never ceases through hatred in this world. Hatred ceases through love. This is the eternal law.

This profound teaching emphasizes the importance of fostering love and compassion over hatred and violence. As a majority of Sinhalese Buddhists, we unequivocally support the principles that promote harmony and understanding between different religious communities, including both Muslims and Buddhists.

Understanding and Awareness in Sri Lanka

The majority of Sri Lankans are unaware of the complex situation in Myanmar and its government's actions. It should be noted that questions about the Sinhalese Buddhist stance on the Rohingya issue are often misinterpreted. Only a small group of extreme right-wingers hold opposing views, while the vast majority do not condone violence or any form of harm towards any religious group.

Common misconceptions, such as the belief that Sinhalese Buddhists support the Myanmar government or Iraqi killings, are rarely accurate. Most Sri Lankans lack the awareness to make any political or ideological connections to the Myanmar situation, further emphasizing the need for education and understanding.

The Importance of Separation of Religion and State

Understanding the separation between religion and state is crucial for promoting peace and harmony. In many countries, including Myanmar, there is a push to declare Buddhism as the official state religion. This can contribute to the rise of extremist movements, such as the 969 movement in Myanmar, which has led to the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people.

In Sri Lanka, there are also radical Buddhist movements that have gained notoriety. These movements include organizations like Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), which has been reported to be forging ties with similar radical groups in Myanmar. It is essential to recognize and address these extremist elements within Buddhist communities to ensure the preservation of non-violent principles.

Conclusion: A Call for Global Unity and Understanding

As Buddhists, we are called to adhere to the precept of non-violence and seek ways to prevent hatred and promote peace. This is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity. The world is witnessing the grave consequences of extremist ideologies, and it is our responsibility to fight these forces and promote understanding and harmony.

While it is important to acknowledge the issues within and without our borders, it is equally important not to ignore them. As the great sage Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.”