Metta for Burma
Oct 1st, 2007 by Tian
Buddhist organizations in Malaysia are expressing concerns and solidarity with the monks and pro-democracy activists in Burma.
Several Buddhist groups and individuals formed the Malaysian Buddhist Solidarity Group and held a small gathering at the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar on 27 September. They appealed to the Burmese government to have compassion and refrain from violent repression.
On 30 Sept, the group organized a solidarity program, known as Radiation of Metta & Candle-light Procession for Peace in Myanmar. It was held at Sentul Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple.
The temple is located near my Batu Service Center. Yet I had never visited the place.
For solidarity, I joined the prayer in the temple. The event started with chanting by Sri Lankan monks, followed by chanting of Mahayana Sutras, which I am more familar with. I was surprised that I could still remember some of the chants.
The night was solemn, as well as sad for me. In 1988, I witnessed the massacre in Yangoon on TV as a student. Today nearly 20 years have passed, yet nothing seems to have changed. The same brutality is repeated in front of our eyes.
Prayers might not change the heart of those in power. However, the chanting is getting louder and it reflects a new awareness emerging. Chanting is no more a humble passive appeal, but a song of human solidarity.
When the monks are marching, the world can no longer be the same.
