05.11.2006
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Editorial: Multi Religion Prayers Campaign for Burma
_ Dr. San Oo aung
Congratulations to the 88 Generation Students for initiating the multi religion prayers campaign in Burma and around the world which is getting momentum. Bravo! Contrary to the International Politicians’ belief that politics and religion should not and cannot mix like water and oil, you all have successfully used the religion to unite not only the people inside Burma but also the whole world. This multi religion prayers campaign could unite not only Burmese but could create a thaw or break the ice in world’s different religious groups and could lead to world’s peace and could even dodge the clashes of the civilizations.
In the secular democracy, there is a strong demand to separate the Church from the State, that means religion and politics should not mix. Government and Party Politicians must be above the religious divide. Religions must be used to unite not to divide the country, to love but not to hate the people, to help the people and build the country but not for the other way round.
Nowadays politicians of different faiths used to request the religious tolerance. But we should go a little bit further. We must respect, understand and love the people of different faiths. We must try to discard xenophobia. Knowing each other, interacting among different races and interfaith dialogue could reduce our xenophobia.
When I was a young Medical doctor, I was proud and was even almost stepping into a state of Megalomaniac for a while. But once got a little bit experience in practice, I have to accept that medical science has given us the knowledge and wisdom to help the patients only but the ultimate healing power is in God’s hand. (Some may say that it is the job of the nature). Many patients suffering from the incurable or chronic diseases, turn to the alternative and traditional medicines. The supernatural or spiritual healings and prayers and believe in God may at least give the hopeless patients some mental power to fight or struggle against their diseases.
Myanmar as a country is now in a moribund state under the SPDC Military Junta. Prognosis is very poor. No hope of recovery, reconciliation, political dialogue or true signs to change to a real and a meaningful democracy. Diseases such as Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, Malaria, HIV AIDS etc are endemic or even at the state of epidemic. Poverty, famine, prostitution child labour are rampant. Natural disasters such as floods, earth quake, fire etc are adding salt to the chronic wound. Corruption, crimes, rapes, robberies followed the spiritual deterioration or depression. Abuse of power by the Military Authorities is also like pushing the drowning people more into deeper water with the bamboo stick. There is no economic progress but is in recession for a long time, no sizeable foreign investments, people’s earning power is declining and inflation is out of control.
Therefore, there is a need for Burmese to pray, and the 88 Generation Student group is just doing that. At the same time we could show the solidarity and defiance to the SPDC.
So the 88 Generation Students are right. The dilapidated Burma is on the way to total destruction, it is the time for some Faith healing with prayers. Every dark cloud has a silver lining. There is hope. Recent action of campaign proved that we could link spirituality, religion and sociopolitical actions. We are now successfully using prayers for our social and political concerns. Ecstasy acquires after a full attention or prayers in a meditation state would at least released our sufferings and praying together of different faiths for a common cause would bring us the social and religious harmony and political togetherness that we all needed today.
But I'd here like to warn the SPDC Generals that even if there is no much visible mobilizations of crowds of people inside Myanmar, it is because most of them are scared of your cruel suppression on every trace of dissent. We are sure that almost the whole population of Myanmar of all races and religions are silently praying for the future of their country. That is enough! The campaign is the success because good faith is now in people's hearts and mind.
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