CULTURE

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Independent civic-minded organizations are virtually non-existent in Burma today, as any form of popular participation in activities affecting whole communities is regarded as a threat to military rule. The few "volunteer" organizations that do exist in Burma at present operate under the auspices of the regime, and often serve primarily as means of channeling corporate or private "donations" directly into the hands of the generals or their cronies. Beyond these immediate political circumstances, however, there are also deeper cultural factors at work that tend to lead to the misapplication of basic Buddhist values in Burmese society. An inordinate attachment to tradition for tradition’s sake, without a critical awareness of the basis of many time-honored practices, eventually renders even the best of these practices meaningless. The Buddha’s teachings on dana remain as deeply relevant as ever, but only when they are applied thoughtfully can their true value be properly appreciated. Thamanya Sayadaw U Vinaya Thamanya Sayadaw U Vinaya, an elderly monk from the Pa-o ethnic group, lives at the foot of Thamanya Mountain, some twenty miles outside of Pa-an, the capital of Karen State. Thamanya Sayadaw is a strict vegetarian, as are those who live in the area around his monastery; the food stalls within three miles of the Thamanya sell no food containing meat. Visiting pilgrims also eat only vegetarian food for several days before coming to pay obeisance to the Sayadaw. People have great faith in his metta samatha (power of universal loving-kindness and peace), and believe that his blessing will bring them success in their endeavors. Apart from his accomplishments as a meditator and other imperceptible religious qualities, the Sayadaw is also revered for his socially oriented charity practice. The grounds owned by Thamanya Sayadaw cover a three-mile radius around the mountain where about 7,000 families live. The Sayadaw owns several vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks that are used for various construction projects, such as building schools and maintaining roads and various public utilities. Aung San Suu Kyi once noted that while the regime forces people to contribute labor to build roads, the Sayadaw achieves his works through voluntary contributions from the people. However, some observers have noted that most people who donate money to the Sayadaw seem to do so in the belief that they will earn greater merit due to his exalted spiritual status, rather than with an awareness of the social value of their contributions.