When I first saw the image above on The Big Picture a couple of weeks ago I was deeply disturbed. Without knowing more details about the exact circumstances the photo was taken in it is hard to know exactly why the monk has been restrained. However, the anguished expression on his face clearly shows that he is deeply suffering.
Of course this raises the question of if or how Buddhist monks should participate in mass protests and political movements. I think there are four possible circumstances in which the monks might have participated in the protests.
(1) The monks went to the protest hoping that their presence would have a calming effect and discourage immediate acts of violence.
(2) The monks went to the protest in support of greater democracy and justice and society. They were concerned about addressing issues of structural violence.
(3) The monks were caught by advancing troops and engaged in acts of self-defense to protect themselves and protesters.
(4) The monks were actively involved in the protests and this included joining other protesters in carrying out acts of violence.
Of these four possibilities I believe only the last is unacceptable behaviour for a monk. Others may disagree and say that monks should be apolitical and removed from society. However, standing by silently in the face of injustice is just supporting that injustice. It is the responsibility of monks to come out of the temple and work for a more democratic and just society. Although of course they should use nonviolent means that are in accordance with the Buddha Dharma and their monastic vows.
What roles should monks play in this politics of hate?
Traditionally, monks are expected to stay out of politics, which led to their general silence against injustice and their inaction for social change. The cleric elders have adopted this stance. But indifference could not be right, could it?
What does Buddhism say about the roles of monks in politics?
Both the yellow and red shirt movements have monk supporters to legitimise their causes. But according to the monastic code of conduct, monks are barred from being makers of strife, disputes and quarrels as well as being the messengers of rulers and politicians. In other words, participating in political rallies is a no-no.
So what can monks do in times of conflict? The story about the Buddha's intervention to stop a war over a water feud is illuminating. He does not take sides. Nor does he evade the problem. Instead, he offers words of wisdom to trigger the conscience of both sides.
This is why there is still a glimmer of hope. Although anger and hatred refuse to subside and the principle of free speech is still ignored by all parties, the non-violence movement led by Phra Paisal Visalo shows our society has not totally lost touch with humanity and the core Buddhist values. This voice of reason and compassion needs to be heeded to prevent future violence and war. If ignored, we just have to prepare for another nightmare.
