The monk's tale: 'We cannot turn back'

[babsbunny]

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/asia/article3015276.ece

By Rosalind Russell in Rangoon
Published: 01 October 2007
"We cannot turn back now. Whether it takes a month, a year or more, we will not stop." With his russet-red robes pulled around his knees, rocking back and forth on a low, wooden stool, the senior monk spoke quietly but determinedly.

Over the past few days, the monk has seen many of his fellow Buddhists rounded up and carted away as Burma's military regime brutally cracked down on anti-government protests, trying to suck any oxygen away from the flame of revolt. Pools of blood stain monastery doorways, memories linger of monks as young as 15 being clobbered over the head with truncheons and rifle butts.

But in the now-tranquil

[Uncle Joe]

1. Thanks for the thread, babsbunny.

Kicked and recommended.

[babsbunny]

2. Anytime! I love to get kicked and recommended too!

:bounce:

[Uncle Joe]

3. Well then, here's a double!

:kick: :kick:

[laylah]

4. ...

:cry: Tears are all I have to offer.

[Forkboy]

5. Tough read.

A heavy hearted K&R.

[jody]

6. Those who denigrate all religions should pause and consider the leadership Buddhist monks are

demonstrating for the poor in Burma.

[Mike03]

7. Grateful for threads like this

I understand what the monk is saying. The Buddhist path is likened to jumping off a cliff, and very highly accomplished practitioners, such as these monks, will willingly sacrifice "this" lifetime for a belief this intense. But this is such a human disaster, it's hard not to let the tears overwhelm the admiration for their courage.