News from Burma

4.10.07 (13:30 Hr.)

Since midnight of 3rd. Oct. till I witness (13.30 hour) the scene, the monasteries near Kyaukasan pagoda in Thingangyun are heavily guarded by armed forces and residents monks are arrested. Two monasteries, namely, Dhamma Viponla and Kyaukasan ashay kyauksar-teik, have been raided by forces from Division 66 and searching operation is still going on till yesterday afternoon. It was informed that at least 5 monks were brought to concentration camp. The monastic school (orphaned center) is closer to the scene I witnessed. Eight Military Trucks, Lorries (Number plates covered), two fire engines, One police car are engaged in the operation.

All believed that the tension will change into actions again and again depending on the outcomes of political dialogues. Now people are prepared to face the economic hardship that is most likely to come up soon. Three days prayer campaign for the deaths of monks, students and innocent people will become one indicator for assessment over how people react, actively or passively.

Monks are now hiding in the wards and some monasteries are still under threat. There are many monks who could not sleep at their own monasteries. People said there is a good sale of mosquito coils. Monks said they will participate in the prayer campaign starting today.

The students who volunteer their expertise of information technology are becoming hot pursue target for seizure for the time being. They are leaving home for safety. I am worried about all of them. The government's tactic seems to be similar to the last 1988. They are threatening all strong opponents and activists to move out of Yangon and from all main cities. At the same time, they are observing their movement with the help of pro-activists. It seems the search and arrest activities will not stop
till unpredictable period.

People have stronger anti-government sentiment. People believe that this is the worst experiences in history of Myanmar. A lot of monks are forced to be laymen with great effort. Behind this, it can be interpreted and we can say definitely that a lot of monks are killed among the causalities. The authorities are trying to cut off communication between the missing monks and their community with whom the monks lived before. I do not think this will never cover the truths. It is really a great shock and tragedy for people of Myanmar.

The short interview story attached with will give all of the people both inside and outside Myanmar the reflection of people's feeling. It was retold by a young novice with fill of tears in his eyes. He got shock and restless emotion when I asked.

Severe wounds on the back of Hsin Thumana.

The moon spreads its lights over the silent night. The gate of monastery is closed. The daily recitation of Mitta mantra has gone with the fire. The young novices have a fear of being threatened with the outbreak of the gun fire. All of the young monks have left for safety at night time, but the oldest senior monk alone keep silent with the contemplation of Buddha's teaching. His mind is full of loving kindness, order of the Buddha teaching.

Both inside and outside, our mind and body, there is a scorching sun. Now we are missing early mornings of which the air is filled with the sounds of sharing merits accompanied with strike of brass triangular gong by the end of collective recitation of Mitta mantra by the monks and novices.

In front of the monastery, the old leafless tree symbolizing something which shows natural phenomena. Leafless means old has gone and new are coming.



(This is to honor Hshin Thumana, a junior monk who was under arrest after the seizing of one of the monasteries by armed forces. He was kicked several times while they are raided. His back is stamped with the foot prints of brutal soldiers. His return is unsure, no one will guarantee when or if he is still alive. The story retold by Hsin Thawmana under the leafless tree)

Hsin Thawmana