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Archive for the ‘Monk’s Tales’ Category

Ashin Sopaka (34): “In my dreams, I see my people dancing. Celebrating freedom.”

Ashin Sopaka’s Voice

Ashin Sopaka (Thawpaka) is 34 years old when we talk in Amsterdam, March 2011.

He is originally from Yinmabin Township, Tha Pye Aye Village, in Sagaing Division. Ashin Sopaka is one of the founders of The Best Friend and has fought for freedom and democracy in his native country Burma, for many years. Read the rest of this entry »

 

U Janaka (31): “If there is a middle way, we can move forward”

U Janaka’s Voice

U Janaka is 31 years old and originally from Sagaing. He currently resides at Wat Tamaoh, in Lampang, Northern Thailand. He has lived in Thailand for many years. Read the rest of this entry »
 
 

U Zawana (50): “When the Burmese people and the international community take real action, change can come.”

U Zawana’s Voice

U Zawana is a Buddhist monk, originally from Bago Division. He became politically involved during the unrest and demonstrations in Burma in 1988.

Two years later, a religious boycott – a so-called pattanikkujjana – was announced. This is a powerful gesture by the Buddhist clergy towards the military regime. By calling for this boycott, Buddhist monks literally overturn their alms bowls and refuse alms offerings by people belonging to the junta or the army. Read the rest of this entry »

 

Ashin Naymeinda (34): “Elections only serve to keep the junta in power”

Ashin Naymeinda’s Voice

Ashin Nayminda is 34 years old and comes from Nawmo Township, Burma. He became famous the world over, because photographs of his involvement in the Saffron Revolution appeared in the media. He is one of the two monks who are often seen in photographs with a loudspeaker.

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Ashin Nandaciriya (25): “The Burmese people must do it themselves”

Ashin Nandaciriya’s Voice


Ashin Nandaciriya is 25 years old and from Yezagyo Township, Magwe Division. At the time of this conversation – end of February 2010 – he was living in Namti monastery, in the Mae Sot region.

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Ashin Issariya (35): “We must win one day!”

Ashin Issariya’s Voice


Ashin Isssariya, aka King Zero, aka Minthunya was born in 1975 in Kungyangon Township, Yangon Division. This is his story. Told at the end of February 2010 in Mae Sot, Thailand.

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Ashin Kovida (36): “We will win!”

Ashin Kovida’s Voice


Burmese monk Ashin Kovida was born in 1973 in Magwe Division, close to Sidoktaya Township.

This is his story. Told at the end of February 2010 in Mae Sot, Thailand.

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Ashin Nandathiri (30): “We need you to give us advice”

Ashin Nandathiri’s Voice


Ashin Nandathiri is 30 years old when we speak in February 2010. He is originally from Minbya Township in Arrakan State.

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