Sunday, January 21, 2024: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
With Carol Wilson, Greg Scharf and Billy Ford
on Zoom
Burma has experienced more than 70 years of conflict, but nothing like the national inter-ethnic uprising that emerged after the military coup in February 2021. For the first time, many of the Bamar majority have risen up alongside ethnic minorities. The ongoing violence and strife has led to more than 2 million people being displaced, from all ethnicities and spiritual backgrounds, and an unprecedented spiritual and humanitarian crisis has ensued.
The cradle of Burmese Buddhism in Sagaing Region has become a central focus of the war. Many of Burma’s most famous Buddhist teachers and meditation masters, in modern times, have come from this region – names such as Mahasi Sayadaw, Ledi Sayadaw, and Webu Sayadaw coming to easily to mind.
This represents the most significant threat to Burmese Buddhism in decades. Members of the Sangha now meditate and teach amidst arson attacks and air strikes, and the impoverished lay public are seldom able to safely offer Dana. During this conversation, Carol, Greg and Billy will discuss the state of the conflict in Burma and explore its implications for the Buddhist sangha and lay community.
Join Zoom Meeting
Time: Jan 21, 2024 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
https://usip-org.zoomgov.com/j/1600624198?pwd=MWZEVUx5SHRCSTR3Y2k2UHpNVWpQUT09
Meeting ID: 160 062 4198
Passcode: 742460
Carol Wilson biography
Greg Scharf biography
Billy Ford biography