NO POLITICS FOR BUDDHIST MONKS

2014-02-26

Executive Sangha Council of the Amarapura Sirisaddhammawansa Maha Nikaya has decided to ban all monks belonging to the Chapter from engaging in any kind of active politics or election related matters.

The decision was taken at a council meeting held last evening (24) in Balapitiya under the patronge of the Maha Nayaka thero of the chapter.

Accordingly, member monks of the Chapter will be compelled to refrain from attending political rallies, taking part in protests, sathyagrahas or other demonstrations, and any other activity that would lead to clashes with the police, without obtaining prior approval from the Chapter.

 Details

In Cambodia, monks get political after unpopular elections

A leading monk says rippling discontent about allegedly corrupt elections means "both the monks and the people are waking up now."

ENLARGE

Seim Sovanny addresses supporters of the Cambodia National Rescue Party in Freedom Park on October 6, 2013 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Cambodian Opposition party supporters gathered to petition the United Nations to intervene following disputed Cambodian elections in September that lead to days of protests. (Nicolas Axelrod/Getty Images)

October 8, 2013 08:24

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — During Pchum Ben, a Cambodian religious holiday that came to a close last week, Venerable Keo Somaly got up before dawn.

By 5 a.m. each day, the 32-year-old monk was dressed in his saffron robe and chanting prayers. Not long after, with the sun still hanging low in the sky, he was ready to talk politics.

No Politics for Buddhist Monks by nelvely