Posted by Maung H. Paw Are There "Human Rights" in Buddhism? As Buddhist we follow the examples set by our Bhikkhu Sayadaws. Here is what I found: Before we touch on the reconciliation issue between NLD and SPDC in Myanmar, it is important to look at the deeply rooted Myanmar belief in Theravarda Buddishm as practiced in Myanmar. We have heard beautiful words uttered by Venerable Sayadaws in their recitation of Buddha teaching, like Metta, Loving kindness and compassion, equal right afforded by Buddha teaching that both Man and Woman could attain arahantship and we have yet to see our Sayadaws sharing equal rights to Silashin to be fully ordained as Bhikkhuni Samgha in Myanmar. Sayadaws Bhikkhus are the teachers to the countrys leaders. Here are some basic questions that we need them to express to their lay devotees: a. Is there a place for woman to be fully ordained as Bhikkhuni Samgha in Myanmar? As an example of a modern charter of human rights we may take The Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1948. Since its promulgation this thirty- article code has been used as a model for many subsequent human rights charters. Each one of us has a role to play in sustaining and promoting social justice and orderliness. The Buddha explained very clearly these roles as reciprocal duties existing between parents and children; teachers and pupils; husband and wife; friends, relatives and neighbors; employer and employee; clergy and laity ... No one has been left out. The duties explained here are reciprocal and are considered as sacred duties, for - if observed - they can create a just, peaceful and harmonious society. This means that every human being without distinction of age, sex, race, skin, color, physical or mental ability, language, religion, political view, or national or social origin possesses an inalienable and untouchable dignity. And everyone, the individual as well as the state, is therefore obliged to honor this dignity and protect it. In the 31 plains of existence we have human realms; not man human realm and woman human realm. It is high time to practice Buddha teaching in the true form as recorded in pali Canon. My question is are we Myanmar as a member of the UN obligated to observe the human ethics of sharing equal rights towards woman at home, and those in Monasteries throughout Myanmar the equal rights the freedom of choice to be a fully ordained Bhikkhuni? Will NLD, SPDC or the third party come forward to express their fundamental law of sharing rights to woman both at home and in Monasteries throughout Myanmar. Best Regards Maung H. Paw
on 4/22/2002, 4:21 pm
Dear Friedns:
Do we have power sharings between Bhikkhu and Bhikkhuni Samghas? This is our basic issue before we touch on political power sharing. Samgha community is living by compassion and loving kindness.
b. Would Silashins be afforded the choice to be fully ordained as Samaneri, Bhikkhuni Samgha by Sayadaw in Myanmar?
c. Why did Sayadaws laid this glass ceiling on woman Silashins to deprive the woman of their rights to be fully ordained as Bhikkhuni?
d. Time has changed, it is no longer valid for Sayadaws to continue the practice of depriving the womans rights to choose, especially Silashins.
e. Does this mean that the concept of rights is alien to Buddhist thought in Myanmar?
f. Are the attitude of Sayadaws towards Silashins against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
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