Case 05/2015: Lama Ole Nydahl

 

JUDGEMENT AND ETHICAL CONCLUSION

 

Dear Prosecutor, Executive Secretary and Jury Members of the International Buddhist Ethics Committee (IBEC) & Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights (BTHR), regarding the case reported by the International Association of Maitriyana (IAM) against Lama Ole Nydahl, by means of this paper, on July 30, 2015, I put into record that it is concluded the fifth case of the Ethics Committee in order to analyze the violation of Buddhist Spirituality conducted by the accused.

After the vast amount of evidence presented, and certified as valid by the Prosecutor, and existing a refusal of the accused to make a statement, we have proceeded with the vote of 6 members of the Jury, confirming that all of them sentenced Ole Nydahl as “Responsible” for the serious crime of Discrimination. Because these actions violate the Buddhist ethical precepts, such as refraining from insults, lies and slanders, the messages of discrimination and Islamophobia on the part of the accused, reveal a violation of the Noble Eightfold Path, since there is a lack of righteousness in understanding, thinking, words, attention and concentration. Concordantly, the accused Ole Nydahl has been criticized in the past for his discriminatory comments against Muslims. This precedent reveals stubbornness on the part of the defendant, who transmits a superficial Buddhism that is growing like a plague all over Europe, which constitutes a danger provided there is discrimination and prejudices in his teachings.

In addition of violating the Buddhist vows, these public statements of the accused individual are part of a global cultural climate of hatred and persecution against Islam, as previous cases have demonstrated which opportunely were analyzed by our International Buddhist Ethics Committee and Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights. Thus, the teachings of Ole Nydahl do not contribute to Interreligious Dialogue or to the World Peace, but they derive in cultural segregation, discrimination and hatred, which is one of the great three poisons of mind according to the Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism to which he belongs.

Therefore, the International Buddhist Ethics Committee and the Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights dictates that Buddhist Spirituality, as Path of Fraternity, must stop considering Ole Nydahl as a lama, simultaneously recommending that the accused urgently performs a contemplative training in order to acquire compassionate wisdom necessary to be able to banish the ideas of hatred and deceit inside his mind.

Following in the footsteps of the Master Siddhartha Gautama, who has been the true light of equanimity and harmony in the world, the International Buddhist Ethics Committee and Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights has decided to proceed against Ole Nydahl for violating the Buddhist Spirituality and for being a threat for interreligious dialogue and world peace. Thus, our Committee and Tribunal, composed of members from the main Buddhist traditions, were capable of proving this serious accusation of Discrimination.

Unfortunately, during the investigation of the case against the accused, our Committee and Tribunal received the news that the UNESCO Association for the promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue in Malaga has awarded to Ole Nydahl for his alleged “Dialogue, Coexistence and Peace”. Given that the accused has huge financial power for having founded more than 600 centers, however, this is in no way a characteristic or evidence of Buddhist Spirituality. Effectively, the compiled evidences demonstrate that his manifestations are contrary to interreligious dialogue, contrary to coexistence among peoples and contrary to world peace. For this reason, the International Buddhist Ethics Committee (IBEC) and Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights (BTHR) impugns such award as spurious, by noting that in case it is not removed, the Association will incur in negligence and complicity with the acts of Discrimination perpetuated by Ole Nydahl, which have not remained unpunished before our spiritual gaze.

 

Best Regards, with a spirit of reconciliation (maitri),

Master Maitreya

Spiritual Master and President of the International Buddhist Ethics Committee (IBEC) and Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights (BTHR)

 

Case 05/2015:

Lama Ole Nydahl

 

 

HONOURABLE JURY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST ETHICS COMMITTEE (IBEC) and BUDDHIST TRIBUNAL ON HUMAN RIGHTS (BTHR)

P R E S E N T . –

 

In the presence of the President and Spiritual Guide of IBEC-BTHR Buddhist Master Maitreya, and the Executive Secretary of IBEC-BTHR Master Yan Maitri-Shi, it is addressed the case denounced by the International Association of Maitriyana (IAM) against LAMA OLE NYDAHL for the Offense of DISCRIMINATION.-

 

I, Sekkha Dhamma, as Prosecutor of IBEC and BTHR, recognize the hard and organized work done for the broad gathering of Evidence in this case, likewise, I appreciate the contribution of them for the analysis concerning the Party I represent. That said, with all due respect I appear to expose:

By receiving the list of digital media that were collected, ordered and at the same time confirmed in their order and context as Evidences by the Executive Secretary of IBEC and BTHR Master Yan Maitri-Shi, I give way to the Third Stage of the Procedure called “EVALUATION OF EVIDENCE ” which is established in the Constitutive Act of IBEC and BTHR in order to know, establish, dictate and determine the Responsibility for the commission of the DISCRIMINATION offense committed by the Accused Lama Ole Nydahl. This accusation was made by the INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MAITRIYANA (IAM) in the field of Buddhist Ethics, act that follows below:

 

EVALUATION OF EVIDENCES

FIRST EVALUATION.- By being the core of this procedural instance, it is necessary to note the Means of Proof offered by the Executive Secretary of IBEC and BTHR Master Yan Maitri-Shi and formally presenting them to the Jury for their knowledge, which consist of 9 Evidence that validate the motivating Accusation of the current process, entitled with the Offense of DISCRIMINATION in charge of the Accused. The latter denounced from the field of Buddhist Ethics. These evidences come from audiovisual digital media and Internet links in public domain (media), which are listed below:

 

 

Evidences Case Lama Ole Nydahl

1. DISCRIMINATION AGAINST MUSLIMS AND AFRICAN PEOPLE

Ole Nydahl: “(…) where you have to believe a lot of things because you can’t know them, then you try to convince others in order to convince yourself, especially if you have a terrible god like Allah making you do criminal things.” (…) “Judaism and Christianity are fine. Islam, I warn against. I know the Koran, I know the life story of Mohammad and I think we cannot use that in our society today. People like the Sufis and Bahá’ís are different, right. They are usually being killed as soon as the mainline Muslims come in, they start killing the other guys. (…) They want you to believe just because it’s said, and you should not have any proof. (…) We have about 600 [schools] now, worldwide. Nothing in Africa because… well, they’re probably not in an abstract mindset right now. And then also, none in the Muslim countries where people can be killed by leaving Islam, and so on” (http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-5866-lama_ole_nydahl_controversial_unconventional_lama_.html, Fuente: Willamette Week, 25/11/2008)

 

2. SEXISM, HOSTILITY AND RIGHT-WING EXTREMISM

Oliver Freiberger: “Nydahl has been accused not only of speaking in a militaristic tone, but also to be right-wing, racist, sexist [1] and hostile to foreigners (…) he has expressed very negative points of view against Islam and Muslims”[2]

Ole Nydahl: “(…)”the best way to face the big problems of the world is to pay the poor families around the world (to women) in order that they do not have more than one or two children and helping them to educating children they have”[3] (https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ole_Nydahl, Source: Wikipedia.org)

 

3. ANTI-ISLAMISM

Ole Nydahl: “I have two fears about the global situation: Overpopulation and Islam. These two things can destroy the world, which otherwise would be a beautiful place.” “We can try to civilize them. That means, the Islamic world and the oppression of women -. The men who oppress women will probably be oppressed women in their next life.”[4]

Ole Nydahl: (…)”…The master must act in the same way he talks. He must not simply avoid controversial topics, but aim to the causes of possible future problems as overpopulation in ghettos and the poor countries, and the growth of Islam.”[5]

 

4. SUPERFICIAL BUDDHISM

Jørn Borup, a professor of religion: “[Nydahl] and his Diamond Way Buddhism is in no way representative of Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism or the teachings of the Karma Kagyu lineage.”[6]

Martin Baumann, a professor of religion. “when I listen to his [Nydahl’s] alarmingly superficial formulations in his talks I can understand his critics who say that he is presenting a watered-down ‘instant Buddhism’, a sort of ‘Buddhism light’ for the West.”[7]

Burkhard Scherer: “Nydahl’s reception in academia begins with a critical paragraph in Stephen Batchelor’s 400-page work on Buddhism and the West (published in 1994). A Buddhist teacher and westernizer of Buddhism himself, Batchelor describes Nydahl as “one of the Karmapa’s most effective, albeit controversial, agents in Europe”, a “sun-tanned Viking” projecting an “ecstatic, sensuous version of Tantric Buddhism,” whose approach shows “fundamentalist and sectarian overtones” (p. 115). (…) In an earlier sociological study devoted to Kagyu converts in Germany, Eva Saalfrank noted the same criticism of “instant-enlightenment” and “instant-Buddhism” referring to Nydahl’s teaching of advanced tantric practices (Saalfrank 1997: 138).”] (http://www.globalbuddhism.org/10/scherer09.htm )

 

5. HOMOPHOBIA

BURKHARD SCHERER, a professor of comparative religion and a student of Thaye Dorje, as well as a former student of Ole Nydahl, said in his work Macho Buddhism: Gender and Sexualities in the Diamond Way: “Nydahl admits feeling uncomfortable with the idea of ‘two gentlemen kissing.’[8] In his hagiographical account Riding the Tiger, which recounts the early charismatic, missionary phase of the Diamond Way movement, Nydahl utilizes ‘homosexuality’ as a narratorial punchline in order to exemplify the confused state of mind of the (post-)hippie generation (…) Nydahl’s modernist (and potentially colonialist) recourse to secular, universal rights and values seems to be in contradiction with his squeamishness about homosexuality, since LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer/questioning) rights could be argued to be an integral part of what Nydahl essentializes as Human Rights. (…) He (Ole Nydahl) admits that he used to think homosexuals to be ‘a bit funny’[9] (…) Still, in a question-and-answer-book published in Hungary in 1998, he more or less equates homosexuals with ‘sexual extremists’[10] (…)in 2001, in an interview given to a German language magazine in Los Angeles, Nydahl states that homosexual relationships are ‘not advised’ in Buddhism since ‘they seem to bring more suffering, disease and disturbing emotions than normal relationships’[11]. (…) Even in more recent statements, Nydahl continues homophobic stereotypes when warning against ‘them’ spreading diseases[12] or even ‘chasing kids,[13] assuming the popular conflation of homosexuality with paedophilia. (…) Another issue of contention is gay marriage. In those countries which recognize the Diamond Way as a church or official religion (Denmark, Austria, Poland, Hungary and Russia), Nydahl is legally authorized to officiate at weddings. However, he refuses to officiate at same-sex civil partnership ceremonies] (http://www.religionandgender.org/index.php/rg/article/viewFile/URN%3ANBN%3ANL%3AUI%3A10-1-101579/21)

 

6. ACCUSATION THAT ISLAM IS GENOCIDE

Lama Ole Nydahl: (3:40 min of video) “In the last hundreds years Islam has killed 170 million people. The greatest number in Africa. (…) (8:46 min video) Today, the biggest problem is Islam and overpopulation. Overpopulation of one side or another because people are not given enough protein in their brain, they are not offered sufficient possibilities to develop themselves. Then they have a terrible job that do not like, that brings them no satisfaction. (…) The Christian God now gives advice, the Islamic God gives commandments. (…) (22:56 min of video) Best examples of bad karma are Hitler, Stalin, like Mohammed and all the really unpleasant men who are in a state of paranoia (…) I’m saying what the Dalai Lama said.”] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SEClbV3Vh0)

 

7. MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS PROTESTING AGAINST OLE NYDAHL

[“On Tuesday evening, Lambeth council’s planning committee approved the plans for the former Beaufoy Institute, in Black Prince Road, Kennington, to become the Diamond Way Buddhism (DWB) organisation. (…) However, more than 40 protesters from the Lambeth Muslim Forum and the Lambeth Interfaith Network protested outside Lambeth Town Hall, in Brixton Hill amid claims the organisation is anti-Muslim and anti-Christian. (…) Objections to the new use of the Grade II listed building also came from the Lambeth Against Racism and Islamophobia group and Vauxhall MP Kate Hoey (…) Toaha Qureshi, a member of the Lambeth Muslim Forum and trustee of the Stockwell Mosque, in Stockwell Green, believed Lama Nydahl’s comments amounted to hate speech”. (…) (Qureshi) said: We are not against Buddhists because it is a peaceful religion. We are protesting against this particular faction of Diamond Way because we believe their leader preaches hate. We were not allowed into the meeting. We don’t feel that the council has consulted with community leaders. If they had done that, we would not be here today.”] http://www.islamophobiawatch.co.uk/islamophobic-buddhist-sect-gets-planning-permission-for-meditation-centre-in-lambeth/, July 12, 2012 by Bob Pitt)

[“The South London Press reports that approval of plans to create a Tibetan Buddhist meditation centre in Lambeth, south London, has sparked controversy and protests from Christian and Muslim groups, as well as the local MP, amid claims that the centre’s backers are anti-Christian and anti-Muslim (…) Islamophobia Watch has in the past reported on DWB and its support for far-right organisations on protests against the construction of mosques. As Islamophobia Watch records, Lama Ole Nydahl is notorious for his anti-Islam rhetoric.”] (http://www.iengage.org.uk/news/1979-protest-to-planned-buddhists-centres-islamophobic-links, July 12, 2012 by Engage Media Awareness – Political Participation)

[“However, more than 40 protesters from the Lambeth Muslim Forum and the Lambeth Interfaith Network protested outside Lambeth Town Hall, in Brixton Hill amid claims the organisation is anti-Muslim and anti-Christian. (…) The meeting room was so packed that the protesters were denied entry and left to protest outside (…) Toaha Qureshi, a member of the Lambeth Muslim Forum and trustee of the Stockwell Mosque, in Stockwell Green, believed Lama Nydahl’s comments amounted to hate speech” (…) (He continue saying) “We don’t feel that the council has consulted with community leaders. If they had done that, we would not be here today.”] (http://www.slp.co.uk/news.cfm?id=24071&searchWord=lama%20nydahl&searchYear=2012, July 10, 2012 by Ben Morgan)

 

8. FOLLOWERS OF NYDAHL JOIN WITH SKINHEADS AGAINST BUILDING A MOSQUE

[“A reader from Poland has drawn our attention to the rather bizarre fact that a Buddhist organisation played a leading role in the protest. The organisation is called Diamond Way and is headed by a Dane named Ole Nydahl. Our correspondent tells us that “members of the Diamond Way organisation were prominent in TV coverage of the demonstration against the mosque”. (…) Indeed, the Polish journalist Robert Stefanicki reports that Europe of the Future is headed by the former president of Nydahl’s organisation in Poland. Stefanicki adds: “Other supporters of Europe of the Future are Mlodziez Wszechpolska (All-Polish Youths) – ultra right group with hardly hidden fascist attraction, as well as other islamophobic right wingers. (…) Our Polish correspondent says they attended a lecture by Nydahl in Warsaw: I had heard some comments previously that suggested that Nydahl held Islamophobic views, but I was frankly shocked as to the depth of his anger and hatred against Islam and Muslims, and the way he uses his position to preach much misinformation and factual inaccuracies regarding Islam and Muslims and to incite hatred against Islam amongst his followers.”] (http://www.islamophobiawatch.co.uk/warsaw-mosque-protest-buddhists-join-hands-with-skinheads-against-muslims/, April 7, 2010 by Bob Pitt)

[“Today in Warsaw we had a pocket-size demonstration against construction of a new mosque, only 2nd in capital and 5th in Poland for our approximately 15,000-30,000 Muslims. (…) Protests are led by previously unknown group Europe of the Future. It is headed by the former president of Karma Kagyu Buddhist Association – for those readers not familiar with divisions inside Western Buddhism: they are faithful to Ole Nydahl, teacher from Denmark, controversial but very influential in all Europe. Lama Ole is known of his racist views; questioned what would be greatest disaster for him, says: “Islam in Europe”, and “Muslims do not behave in civilized way” in his opinion. According to visual artist Joanna Rajkowska, who wrote interesting commentary about it, this view is prevalent among his followers in Poland.”] (http://www.muslimophobia.com/news.php?nid=33 )

(http://en.islamtoday.net/artshow-229-3558.htm, March 28, 2010 by Islam Today/Agencies)

(http://www.loonwatch.com/2010/04/warsaw-unlikely-allies-join-to-fight-mosque/, April 8, 2010 by Loonwatch.com)

 (http://www.islamophobiawatch.co.uk/rally-in-warsaw-to-protest-mosque/, March 27, 2010 by Bob Pitt)

 

9. PERSONALITY CULT

In the following video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5S_PP8yxxw ), which is called Transmission, it can be observed that in all the testimonies narrating stories it is never mentioned any Buddhist teaching that Ole Nydahl has transmitted to his followers, but rather they all allude to personal experiences or anecdotes in which they deposit a great emphasis regarding fascination with the figure or person of Nydahl, which is an evidence not only of a cult of personality but also that the practice which is imparted is quite similar to self-help groups, also demonstrating that it is a superficial approach to Buddhism.

 

 

SECOND EVALUATION.- Of the Evidence provided there is no doubt about the authenticity of them, considering their provenance, as each compiled testimony comes from an internet link where it is found the respective information that supports and strengthens the evidence through an article. Regarding all articles that are offered as a proof and, in addition, it is labeled the Offence composed of verbal statements  and actions expressed by the Accused (case which does not occupy nor is responsibility to know neither “jurisdictionally” decide by our Part in this Buddhist Ethics Case), there is no objection, disqualification or invalidation of the digital content by the Party I represent, by virtue of which they are digital media that come from reliable sources and that also were formally and openly declared and published at that time, of which there is no doubt about their authenticity or veracity, unless they are properly objected in this Case by the Accused.-

THIRD EVALUATION.- For what was exposed, published, declared and reproduced in the media and which are now presented as Digital Evidence for this case by the Executive Secretary of IBEC and BTHR Master Yan Maitri-Shi, these proofs are determined by the Party I represent as Prosecutor of IBEC and BTHR as LEGITIMATE and VALID, which support and confirm the Accusation presented by the International Association of Maitriyana (IAM) against LAMA OLE NYDAHL for the Offense of DISCRIMINATION.-

In such a situation, it begins the Fourth Stage of the Procedure called “Response”, in which it is set the term of 5 five days to the Requested and Accused Party, Lama Ole Nydahl, in order to issue the Response he wishes or corresponds facing the accusation and Request regarding the Evidence provided, accepted and evaluated in this paper.-

Sekkha Dhamma

Prosecutor of IBEC & BTHR

Mexico July, 2015 two thousand fifteen.-

[1] Burkhard, Scherer (2011). «Macho Buddhism: Gender and Sexualities in the Diamond Way». Igitur Publishing.

[2] Oliver Freiberger, Department for the Study of Religion University of Bayreuth, Germany, in Inter-Buddhist and Inter-Religious Relations in the West

[3] Interview with Nydahl at www.diamondway-teachings.org/content/olenydahl/text/bt4ole.html

[4] Duhárová, Bibiána. Ace of Diamonds: A conversation with Ole Nydahl in The Prague Post, July 11, 2007.

[5] Learning in a Total Way: Teacher – Student Relationship  http://www.lama-ole-nydahl.org/

[6] Borup, Jørn (24 April 2009). “Pral med åndelige evner er en alvorlig brist”. Religion.dk. Retrieved 24 November 2012.

[7] Baumann, Martin (4 November 2004). “Eine Art ‘Buddhismus Light’?”. Neue Luzerner Zeitung (255). p. 11.

[8] O. Nydahl, ‘Was sagt der Buddhismus zu Homosexualität’ in Fragen an den Lama, blog archive, 19 March 2008, http://www.lama-ole-nydahl.de/fragen/?p=163, accessed 6 October2008

[9] O. Nydahl, Bungee mądrości: Buddyzm Diamentowej Drogi w pytaniach i odpowiedziach, Gdánsk: Czerwony Słoń 2003, 107

[10] O. Nydahl, Egy Jogi 109 Válasza: Válogatás, Láma Ole Nydahl tanításaiból, Budapest: Gyémánt Út Buddhista Közösség 1998. 3 2004, 47; Cp. Nydahl, Glubina slavyaskogo uma II, 216

[11] ‘Man empfiehlt sie nicht im Buddhismus. Sie scheinen mehr Leid, Krankheit und Störgefühle auszulösen als normale Verbindungen.’ In M. Zemlicka, ‘Ein Interview mit Lama Ole Nydahl’ in Buddhismus Heute 32 (2001), 14-23, 20

[12] Zemlicka, ‘Ein Interview’, 20 and Nydahl, ‘Was sagt der Buddhismus zu Homosexualität’

[13] Nydahl, Glubina slavyaskogo uma I, 284

 

 

Case 03/2015: Zen Master Dokusho Villalba

 

JUDGEMENT AND ETHICAL CONCLUSION

 

Dear Prosecutor, Executive Secretary and Members of the Jury of the International Buddhist Ethics Committee (IBEC) and Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights (BTHR), regarding the case denounced by the Shangri-La Buddhist Temple and the World Association of Buddhism (WBA) against Zen Master Dokusho Villalba, on May 29, 2015, I put on record, through the present document, that it is concluded the third case of the Ethics Committee in order to analyze the violation to the Buddhist Spirituality by the accused party.

After the enormous amount of evidence presented and certified as valid, and after the omission to give evidence by the accused, it has proceeded with the voting of 7 members of the Jury, by confirming that all of them sentenced as “Responsible” to Zen Master Dokusho Villalba by the serious dharmic crimes of Apology of consumption of psychotropic drugs and Violation of the Buddhist precepts. Given that these actions contradict the spirit of the Buddhist spiritual ethics, which considers Zen as the everyday life itself, the teachings by the accused party also reveal a violation of the Noble Eightfold Path, because there is a lack of righteousness in understanding, thinking, action, attention and concentration. Concordantly, Dokusho Villalba has already acknowledged that in the past he entered the Buddhist philosophy from his own psychedelic drug consumption experience, so his teachings constitute a “recidivism” in the face of this past contrary to the spiritual Buddhist ethics, markedly being a lack of respect both to the Buddhist code and to the millions of addicts who wish to rehabilitate themselves all over the world. Although the accused has a certain fame in the European community, his teachings are a dangerous precedent, since he is using Buddhism to actually transmit a pseudo-shamanism that is no more than a hippy tendency, by associating meditation and Spirituality with metaphysics and an escape from reality. Paradoxically, more than a thousand years ago, the great Master Padmasambhava did exactly the opposite, by making the conversion from Tibetan shamanism to Buddhism.

This third case entails a much more serious offense than violating the Buddhist vows, because the public teachings of the accused are part of a planetary cultural context that favours the decriminalization of drug use. This same profoundly materialistic and superficial cultural context is that which encourages: marijuana (Cannabis Sativa) consumption as a sort of serenity, the video-games such as PlayStation as a way of recreation, the superfluous communication through social networks like Facebook as a form of friendship. Thus, the Buddhist Spirituality must confront these superficial and mass evils, never allying to them, but simultaneously teaching that, as Master Kukai taught, art is an excellent vehicle for expressing Dharma. This means that a good art work will be able to bring greater Spirituality than any psychotropic drug.

Certainly, our International Buddhist Ethics Committee and Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights has strong evidence that Dokusho Villalba is betraying the very spirit of the Buddhist tradition which considers that, as Zen Master Aitken has expressed it, the sparkles of Dharma can be found on flowers, birds and children. Therefore, it is an aberration to consider that hallucinogenic drugs can show people glimpses of the Awakening when, for the Buddhist Spirituality, Nirvana is to see life as it is in the here and now. Even though there may be certain psychotropic drugs that do not cause addiction, these drugs in deed induce an structurally psychotic experience, which is exactly the opposite of what the Awakening is. In fact, the great zen scholar DT Suzuki decided to try LSD for analyzing whether it was true it induced to a sparkle of Enlightenment, then checking that it was a wrong affirmation. At the same time, the prestigious psychiatrist Stanislav Grof, father of transpersonal psychology, decided to abandon the use of LSD for therapeutic purposes, by replacing the consumption of psychotropic drugs, in order to develop his own contemplative method called “Holotropic Breathwork”, which shows there is no need to consume hallucinogenics to open the doors of mind.

Therefore, the International Buddhist Ethics Committee and the Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights rules that Buddhist Spirituality, as a Way to Peak Knowledge (Satori), should suspend Dokusho Villalba in all kind of spiritual position as a Zen Master, simultaneously recommending that he be under supervision of other spiritual masters in order to prevent false transmitting of Buddhism, thus helping him to continue his learning. Dokusho Villalba has committed blunders that reveal a lack of contemplation and compassionate wisdom, because psychedelics do not have a profound unity with the Zen pathway nor are they a tool for Awakening, much less Nirvana is a trance when in reality it is rather the Cure from all mundane trance. Furthermore, it is completely incorrect to justify the violation of the Buddhist precepts by saying that a psychedelic substance can bring lucidity to consciousness, because also the practice of samurai could bring Mindfulness and yet this involves the violation of the precept of not killing living beings. Only an unconscious or ignorant person may say that the use of psychedelics drugs provides equanimity and that it is a catalyst for meditation.

Although we are in favour of creating a New Buddhist Way, and our Maitriyana Spirituality certainly it is, this Purpose (Dharma) must follow in the footsteps of Master Siddhartha Gautama and never violate the ethical precepts, reason by which the International Buddhist Ethics Committee and Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights has decided to proceed against Dokusho Villalba for causing a serious injury to the Buddhist Spirituality and the Zen tradition. Fame or success that someone may have within the international community does not necessarily constitute a sign of Spirituality and commitment with the Peak Knowledge (Satori). Therefore, the Committee and Tribunal aim to protect Dharma, which is the way towards the spiritual evolution of humanity.

Sincerely,

With a spirit of reconciliation (maitri),

Buddhist Master Maitreya

President of International Buddhist Ethics Committee and Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights

 

Case 03/2015:

 Zen Master Dokusho Villalba

 

HONOURABLE JURY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST ETHICS COMMITTEE (IBEC) and BUDDHIST TRIBUNAL ON HUMAN RIGHTS (BTHR)

P R E S E N T  . –

In the presence of the President and Spiritual Guide of IBEC-BTHR Buddhist Master Maitreya, and the Executive Secretary of IBEC-BTHR Master Yan Maitri-Shi, it is addressed the case denounced by the World Association of Buddhism (WBA) and Shangri La Buddhist Temple (SLBT) vs. Zen Master Dokusho Villalba for making an Apology of consumption of psycho-tropic substances and hence the Violation of the Buddhist Precepts and of the Meditative Practice.-

 

I, Sekkha Dhamma, as Prosecutor of the IBEC and BTHR, recognize the arduous and organized work that was undertaken for the wide collection of Evidence in this case, equally, I appreciate the contribution of such evidences for the analysis concerning the Party I represent. That said, with all due respect I appear to expose:

With the list of digital media that were collected, received, ordered and at the same time confirmed in their order and context as Evidence by the Executive Secretary of IBEC and BTHR Master Yan Maitri-Shi, I give way to the Fourth stage of the Procedure which is called “EVALUATION OF EVIDENCE “, that is established in the Constitutive Act of IBEC and BTHR in order to know, establish, rule and determine the Responsibility for the actions and public statements during the Buddhist teaching perpetrated by the Accused Zen Master Dokusho Villalba regarding the psycho-tropic drugs consumption in meditation practice, and with it the Violation of the Buddhist Ethics and Precepts. This Accusation and Requirement were conducted by the WORLD ASSOCIATION OF BUDDHISM and SHANGRI LA BUDDHIST TEMPLE in the field of Buddhist Ethics, act that follows below:

 

EVALUATION OF EVIDENCE

FIRST EVALUATION.- By being the core of this procedural party, it is necessary to note the Means of Proof offered by the Executive Secretary of IBEC and BTHR Master Yan Maitri-Shi, and formally present them to the Jury for their knowledge, they are composed of 14 Evidences that validate the motivating Indictment of the current process, entitled as Lack of Buddhist Ethics, Violation of the Buddhist Precepts and of the Meditative Practice, contrary to Buddhist Spirituality. Most of these Evidences, which come from written and audiovisual testimonies, are in charge of Zen Master Dokusho Villalba himself and they are listed below:

Evidence 1: Confession of drug use in the past.

Evidence 2: Affirmation of a profound unity between the Zen Pathway and the ingestion of substances such as Peyote and Ayahuasca.

Evidence 3: Definition of the Buddhist Enlightenment as a Trance.

Evidence 4: Inappropriate interpretation of one Buddhist precept to justify drug consumption.

Evidence 5: Affirmation of drug consumption as a tool for the Awakening.

Evidence 6: Affirmation of the Ayahuasca consumption as an exercise of Equanimity.

Evidence 7: Affirmation of the Ayahuasca consumption as a catalyst for meditation.

Evidence 8: Affirmation of drug consumption as “New Buddhist Way”.

Evidence 9: Affirmation of using psychedelic drugs as “mental hygiene cultivation”.

Evidence 10: Affirmation that the Awakening of the Kundalini is a massive hallucinogenic drug discharge.

Evidence 11: Affirmation of drug consumption as a glimpse of the Awakening.

Evidence 12: Affirmation of consumption of hallucinogenic drugs as a skillful means (upaya).

Evidence 13: Intake of psychedelics as addictive and psychotic process.

Evidence 14: Refusal by the Accused Zen Master Dokusho Villalba to testify before the Indictment which is backed with the present Evaluation of the Evidences.

 

SECOND EVALUATION.- Of the evidence provided there is no doubt about the authenticity of them, considering their provenance, as each compiled testimony comes from an internet link where it is found the corresponding information that supports and strengthens the evidence, its interlocutor being Zen Master Dokusho Villalba himself. On all articles offered as a proof, in addition, they are labeled the actions, testimonies and statements of Zen Master Dokusho Villalba as breaches of the Buddhist Ethics and a clear Violation to the Buddhist Precepts and Meditative Practice, (this without prejudice that at the same time the constituent elements of the Crime of Drug Consumption and its Criminal Responsibility are configured, case that does not occupies nor take competence in knowing neither jurisdictionally deciding on this matter by our Party), there is no objection, disqualification or invalidation of the digital content by the Party I represent, by virtue that are digital media coming from reliable sources and also were declared and published at that time formally and openly about conferences, classes and statements which are in writing and in video, being in charge of Zen Master Dokusho Villalba, of which there is no doubt about its authenticity or veracity, even more when they were not legal remedies, statements or explanations for disclaimer, expressed and direct inconformity respect of what is expressed or published, exercised the right of reply, or to give rise to an investigation into the origin, reputation and veracity of what was expressed by the public means of information, all this in charge of the Zen Master Dokusho Villalba.-

 

THIRD EVALUATION.- Regarding what was exposed, published, declared and reproduced in the media that are now presented as digital Evidence for this case by the Executive Secretary of the IBEC and BTHR Master Yan Maitri-Shi, these proofs are determined by the Party I represent as Prosecutor of IBEC and BTHR as LEGITIMATE and VALID, evidences that sustain and confirm the Indictment presented by the WORLD ASSOCIATION OF BUDDHISM (WBA) and SHANGRI-LA BUDDHIST TEMPLE (SLTB) for serious offenses to Ethics , to the Buddhist precepts and to the Meditation practice-

 

In such a situation, it is began the Fifth Stage of Procedure called “JUDGEMENT”, in which it is established the term of 5 five days for the Jury members, in order to issuing the Judgement that corresponds against the Accusation and Requirement regarding the Evidence provided, accepted and evaluated in this writing.-

 

Sekkha Dhamma

Prosecutor of the IBEC & BTHR

Mexico May, 2015 two thousand and fifteen.-

 

———————————————————–

 

CASO N°3: Dokusho Villalba

 

Evidencia n°1: Confesión de consumo de drogas en el pasado

Dokusho Villalba: “A mediados de los 70’s (…) yo en esos años antes de empezar a practicar meditación Zen, tuve dos o tres años en los que tuve varias experiencias con LSD y bastante con Hachís. (…) En aquella época, aquello no me llevó a ningún lugar positivo, digamos; muchas experiencias pero poca capacidad de integrar, comprender qué es lo que pasaba, qué es lo que se movía en esos estados expandidos, podemos decir, de consciencia. Pero yo creo que, de alguna forma, me preparó para abordar la filosofía y la práctica del Budismo.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUGwUC4Ie7I

 

Evidencia n°2: Afirmación de unidad profunda entre vía Zen con ingesta de Peyote y Ayahuasca

Dokusho Villalba: “Empecé a realizar con él (Aurelio Díaz de Pancali) ceremonias, círculos de medicina, como digo, de la ingesta sacramental del Peyote y estuve así varios años y ahí se me abrieron muchas puertas. A partir de ahí, él me presentó a otros chamanes sudamericanos, amazónicos, entonces ahí empecé a explorar y a trabajar con la Ayahuasca. Fui a Perú, he estado en Brasil … he tenido distintas experiencias en la selva con gente de allá y todo eso me ha ido llevando a comprender la profunda unidad fundamental que hay por ejemplo entre la práctica y la vía del Zen y los estados que en el Budismo se llaman estados superiores de consciencia y los estados expandidos de consciencia a los que se accede a través de las técnicas arcaicas del trance, con uso o no de plantas maestras.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUGwUC4Ie7I

 

Evidencia n°3: Definición de Iluminación Budista como Trance

Dokusho Villalba: “Si habéis meditado alguna vez, o habéis recibido alguna introducción, veréis que en la práctica de la meditación están todos los elementos también, que generan para inducir a un estado de trance. O sea, la respiración está ahí, y la atención en la respiración es el soporte básico e inicial, por lo menos de todo tipo de meditación budista (…) Entonces, se dice en la tradición budista que esta es la forma básica y fundamental de acceder al estado de Samadhi (…) otra manera de llamar a un trance característico, porque es un trance quieto, no se producen grandes catarsis, no se producen grandes aspavientos, no hay bailes, no hay cantos, no hay gritos (…) La Iluminación budista es una forma de trance, es una forma sutil, digamos, elegante. (…) De manera que, coger el latido del corazón o el ritmo respiratorio como objeto de la atención induce igualmente a un estado de trance (53:08)”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUGwUC4Ie7I

 

Evidencia n°4: Interpretación Inadecuada del precepto budista para justificar consumo de drogas

Dokusho Villalba: “El precepto budista dice: no intoxicar la consciencia. Ahora bien, ¿cómo interpretar eso? Los preceptos budistas son interpretados de distintas formas (…) de lo que puedo hablarte es de mi interpretación del precepto, y no creo que nadie tenga la interpretación adecuada, solamente hay distintas interpretaciones (…) de lo que se trata es de no obnubilar la consciencia, de no perder la lucidez de la consciencia (…) Todos los preceptos deben ser comprendidos a la luz de la sabiduría. Es la sabiduría lo que nos hace ver en cada momento, para cada persona, qué es lo más adecuado. Quiere esto decir que una persona determinada con medio vaso de vino queda con la consciencia obnubilada, por lo tanto, para esa persona no intoxicar la consciencia quiere decir no tomar medio vaso de vino (…) Yo interpreto este precepto en el sentido de que lo que más intoxica la consciencia es la ignorancia”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUGwUC4Ie7I

 

Evidencia n°5: Afirmación del consumo de drogas como herramienta de Despertar

Dokusho Villalba: “Entonces, si hay algún medio hábil, como se dice en el Budismo, para que la consciencia pueda liberarse de esa intoxicación  (la ignorancia como uno de los tres venenos), entonces  ese medio hábil es bueno (1:00:14), no es una intoxicación, es una liberación de la ignorancia. Por ejemplo, algunos pueden decir que la Ayahuasca produce una intoxicación, pero en realidad es un purgante (…) de manera que los que hemos tenido experiencias con esta planta maestra, sabemos que en general al día siguiente, el mundo está mucho más claro, nítido, todo está como en su sitio, porque se ha producido una depuración de venenos (…) Desde mi punto de vista, todo lo que sirva para disolver la ignorancia es una herramienta de Despertar (1:01:29) y , por otra parte, no son las sustancias las que provocan visiones; es la mente. Las sustancias son catalizadores, son psiquedélicos, (…) quieren decir reveladores de la mente (…) Yo me encuentro con personas que cuando vienen a practicar zazen, en un estado sobriedad, comiendo vegetariano, nada de alcohol (…) salvo cigarrillos en ciertos lugares, ¿no?  (…) Y también te puedo decir, cuando hacemos retiros de meditación intensivo (…) el último día se hace una vigilia (…) esa simple práctica hace para muchos que la mente se dispare y tengan visiones y tengan recuerdos (…) porque se entra en un estado de ensoñación lúcida (…) El estado de meditación profunda es un estado de ensoñación lúcida y, desde mi punto de vista, por lo que he experimentado (…) con la ayahuasca sobre todo, el estado en el que yo comúnmente me siento es un estado de ensoñación lúcida; es como si estuviera dormido (…) pero estoy despierto, porque en mi caso (…) la ayahuasca me potencia la lucidez (1:04:54) (…) La manera de hacerlo es abordar una sesión de ayahuasca desde la actitud del Zazen (1:05:35)”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUGwUC4Ie7I

 

Evidencia n°6: Afirmación del consumo de Ayahuasca como ejercicio de Ecuanimidad

Dokusho Villalba: “Todo es una alucinación. Esto que estamos viviendo también es una alucinación, pero también depende con qué actitud se tomen las plantas porque tomar plantas para tener visiones, desde mi punto de vista es ridículo, ahora si vienen, pues, igual que en zazen cuando te sientas, si vienen visiones o vienen recuerdos, pues que vengan, la misma actitud con lo que sucede durante un viaje con ayahuasca. (…)  hay que desarrollar la ecuanimidad como hizo el Buda, por eso puede ser un excelente ejercicio para desarrollar la ecuanimidad (1:09:13)”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUGwUC4Ie7I

 

Evidencia n°7: Afirmación del consumo de Ayahuasca como catalizador de la meditación

Dokusho Villalba: “La ayahuasca es un catalizador, en eso estamos de acuerdo, como otras muchas, es un psiquedélico, entonces las tendencias que ya hay en la mente las exacerba, le da poder, le da fuerza y aparecen claramente. ¿Cómo conducir una buena sesión de ayahuasca? Lo importante no es lo que suceda en la ayahuasca sino cómo vive uno antes de llegar a esa sesión, es decir, lo que uno ha hecho antes, cómo piensa uno, qué cultivo interior tiene, entonces (…) tienes que aprender a meditar, si aprendes a meditar después, naturalmente, tu mente, la ayahuasca va a fortalecer los hábitos mentales que has adquirido con la meditación, pero si no has adquirido esos hábitos mentales, por ejemplo, el hábito del enfoque de la atención, que es fundamental porque todo es un trabajo con la atención (…) esa es la clave, tanto en las experiencias visionarias con plantas como en la práctica de la meditación (1:13:09) Las técnicas arcaicas y actuales del trance son técnicas para controlar la atención, entonces, cómo hago yo (…) en mi experiencia; me siento a meditar, conecto con la respiración, conecto con el cuerpo y procuro estar ahí siempre (…) no perder eso de vista (…) entonces lo que es treinta años de práctica de meditación después se manifiesta en la sesión de ayahuasca”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUGwUC4Ie7I

 

Evidencia n°8: Afirmación del consumo de drogas como “Nueva Vía Budista”

Dokusho Villalba: “Conozco algunos lamas tibetanos con los que he trabajado en este campo también, pero digamos que mi recorrido es bastante heterodoxo, y si alguno de mis colegas maestros zen japoneses (1:21:33) o europeos me escucharan decir lo que en esta noche he dicho aquí, me excomulgarían de su orden (!:21:39) Entonces, es un campo nuevo, es una vía nueva, yo no conozco mucha gente que esté, hay algunos (…) que en EEUU, el autor de un libro, de varios libros ya, un antiguo practicante zen empezó a investigar el efecto del DMT; a hacer investigaciones científicas (…) pero fue expulsado de la comunidad o dado de lado de alguna manera por incluir esto (1:22:04) y si se hace una encuesta entre los maestros zen occidentales, por ejemplo, los japoneses o los orientales ni hablar del tema (1:22:32), pero los occidentales que se supone que  son de una generación, en general la mayoría rechaza todo esto, a pesar de que muchos de ellos tuvieron experiencias con LSD u otras sustancias en su juventud, o antes de empezar la práctica, yo creo que, evidentemente, todavía el reivindicar el uso adecuado de las plantas maestras no es políticamente correcto (1:23:04), no está dentro de la cultura imperante, en ningún sentido, pero yo creo que con el tiempo se le tendrá que hacer justicia a la historia, en el sentido de que la influencia que ha tenido la cultura psiquedélica en occidente en los años 60 y 70 y cómo la cultura psicodélica abrió las puertas a las filosofías y a las prácticas orientales en Occidente. Si no llega a ser por la apertura previa que hubo a la mezcalina, al peyote, al LSD, a la marihuana, a los honguitos y a otras cosas, en las que muchas mentes tuvieron una experiencia de expansión; caótica, porque eran momentos caóticos, sin eso después esas mentes no hubieran podido absorber y aceptar y recibir filosofías como las orientales(1:24:08) Entonces, ahí se ha producido una sinergia, una simbiosis (1:24:22) pero que la cultura budista occidental establecida no quiere reconocer por ahora; es tabú. Y yo no tengo ningún problema en reconocerlo”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUGwUC4Ie7I

 

Evidencia n°9: Afirmación del consumo de drogas psicodélicas como “cultivo de higiene mental”

Dokusho Villalba: “Lo que sí podemos saber, por propia experiencia, es que cuando usamos adecuadamente ciertas plantas, hay nuevos niveles de consciencia que se abren en nosotros, nuevas potencialidades que se manifiestan (…) Un cultivo mental, una higiene mental, la meditación es una higiene mental, es fundamental.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUGwUC4Ie7I

 

Evidencia n°10: Afirmación de que el Despertar de la Kundalini es una descarga masiva de droga

Dokusho Villalba: “En el momento de la muerte, todos los seres humanos, su cerebro, el cerebro humano segrega naturalmente DMT (…) Y por eso las experiencias con ayahuasca son tan parecidas a los estados cercanos a la muerte (…) Si eso lo conjugas con (…) que las experiencias del Despertar de la Kundalini, los efectos y los síntomas, eran idénticos a los estados cercanos a la muerte, lo cual quiere decir que lo que los orientales llaman el Despertar de la Kundalini hay una descarga masiva de DMT también (1:33:06).”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUGwUC4Ie7I

 

Evidencia n°11: Afirmación del consumo de drogas como vislumbre del Despertar

Dokusho Villalba: “Vas practicando (…) y esos destellos de iluminación se van produciendo cada vez más a menudo hasta que se van estabilizando y se van convirtiendo en un estado continuado. Eso no se puede hacer con las plantas (1:36:45), las plantas (…) es como subir a la cima de la montaña (…) pero no sabes cómo se sube, porque no has subido sólo con tu propio esfuerzo, sino que has subido impulsado por un poder que se te ha prestado. Por eso yo digo que a lo que nos ayudan las plantas, el efecto de las plantas, es como a abrir las ventanas (…) y ver un paisaje inmenso (…) pero el verlo desde dentro de nuestro ego, aunque se haya abierto las ventanas eventualmente, no significa que tu ya vivas en ese paisaje. Y las plantas no te van a hacer vivir en ese paisaje, por ellas mismas, nunca, si no es tu forma de vida, tu disciplina de vida, tu práctica espiritual (…) la transformación interior, la corporización de esas experiencias cumbre en la vida cotidiana. La estabilización en la vida cotidiana de esas experiencias cumbre. Eso es lo que te va a hacer ir estabilizándote cada vez más en un estado de Despertar o de Apertura. Y este es el gran peligro con las plantas. La práctica de la meditación por su lado exclusivamente también tiene sus peligros; no hay nada exento de peligros. El peligro con las plantas es que uno asuma un poder que no es suyo, o se acostumbre a vivir ahí, pero no porque uno se lo haya currado, no porque tu cerebro haya aprehendido a segregar DMT, sino porque se lo estás induciendo desde fuera. Pero qué pasa si te sientas cada día, qué pasa si aprendes a meditar (…) si empiezas a seguir un estilo de vida que tu cerebro empiece a funcionar de otra manera, y (…) que tu cerebro genere por él mismo las suficientes endorfinas y llegues a un estado en el que el reflejo del sol en una gota de lluvia sea suficiente para transportarte a un estado de trance (1:39:17) (…) no todo el que está sentado en postura de meditación está meditando. De la misma forma que no todo el que toma planta está colocado o se coloca.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUGwUC4Ie7I

 

Evidencia n°12: Afirmación del consumo de drogas como medio hábil (upaya)

Dokusho Villalba: “Si tú estudias la vida de los maestros ayahuasqueros, todos tienen un sistema de vida, tienen unos valores, tienen una forma ritualizada, incluso, de vida (…) tienen su vía, pero la ayahuasca no es la vía (…) es un apoyo, es una maestra (1:41:15) (…) pero no es una vía; (…) son medios hábiles para seguir la vía.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUGwUC4Ie7I

 

Evidencia n°13: Consumo de psicodélicos como proceso adictivo y psicótico

Ray Jordan Jr: “(…) las observaciones indican que existe una alta probabilidad de dependencia psicológica. (…) El mismo LSD provoca, más o menos directamente, estados paranoicos, respuestas esquizofrénicas, modificaciones visuales, tomas de consciencia místicas, etc.” (G. Ray Jordan Jr, La Experiencia Mística)

Francisco Rubia: “La ingestión de drogas y sus interferencias con determinados neurotransmisores en el cerebro (…) suponen una especie de agresión externa en la normalidad funcional del cerebro, mientras que un éxtasis conseguido por medios naturales es (…) menos agresivo. A esto hay que añadir el peligro de adicción en el caso de la ingestión de drogas enteógenas o alucinógenas y sus efectos nocivos sobre el cerebro a la larga. (…) El cerebro posee estructuras cuya activación produce la experiencia mística o de trascendencia, lo que puede ocurrir también espontáneamente sin necesidad de técnicas y sin ayuda de plantas u hongos alucinógenos. (…) A este tipo de drogas que generan estados alterados de consciencia  se les ha llamado alucinógenos, por producir alucinaciones enteógenas (que significan etimológicamente Dios dentro de nosotros) o psicomiméticas, por el parecido de sus efectos con los síntomas psicóticos. Está claro que actúan alterando y modificando la química cerebral, al igual que algunas psicosis. (…) El problema con estas drogas es que, aparte del peligro de adicción, también han originado síntomas psicóticos permanentes e incluso la muerte.”  (Francisco Rubia, La Conexión Divina, la Experiencia Mística y la Neurobiología)

 

Evidencia n°14: Negación a prestar testimonio

Se deja constancia que el Sr. Dokusho Villalba se ha negado a emitir declaración alguna ante la acusación del Comité.

 

CASE 01-2015: Ashin Wirathu

Proclamation on Dhamma Vansanurakhitta Association – Buddha Dhamma Charity Foundation

November 13, 2017

The International Buddhist Ethics Committee and Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights,

Considering that in Case 01-2015 the International Buddhist Ethics Committee sentenced Ashin Wirathu and the 969 Movement for the crimes of Discrimination, Social Segregation, Apology of Violence and False Buddhism;

Recalling that due to international pressure the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee superficially sanctioned the 969 Movement, only generating that this Islamophobic group changed its name to Ma Ba Tha (Organization for the Protection of Nationalism and Religion);

Aware that Ma Ba Tha and the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee have actively assisted and collaborated with the Myanmar military regime led by former de facto President Thein Sein, actively supporting the Genocide, Ethnic Cleansing and Crimes against humanity against the Rohingya People;

Deeply concerned because Myanmar’s new civil-military government led by de facto president Aung San Suu Kyi is worsening and continuing the genocidal policies against the Rohingya people in the eyes of the entire world, carrying out High Crimes against Peace;

Deploring the fact that de facto president Aung San Suu Kyi carries out acts of Negationism, not only affirming that there is no kind of genocide, but also accusing the Rohingya people of terrorism;

Analyzing that even the UN, through the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), has denounced terrible human rights violations committed by the government of Myanmar against the defenseless civilian population, such as torture, mass sexual abuses, forced disappearances and extrajudicial executions of children and babies, all of which is considered by Aung San Suu Kyi as fake news;

Taking into consideration that the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee presided over by Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa was sentenced for False Buddhism and Violation of the Buddhist Legal Code, Oppression and Illegal Detentions against the Buddhist Sangha, Complicity with Discrimination, Violation of the rights of women and children, Violation of freedom of expression, Violation of the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples, Crimes against Humanity and Peace, and Complicity with Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing;

Examining that Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee has received a Peace Prize from the criminal organization called WORLD PEACE PRIZE AWARDING COUNCIL (WPPAC), reason why the institution has been sentenced for the charges of Complicity with Crimes against Peace, Complicity with Violations of Buddhist Cultural Heritage, Defamation, Discrimination and Ethnocentrism, Threats and Violation of Human Rights, Corruption, Fraud and Organized Crime and Complicity with Genocide and Islamophobia;

Bearing in mind that Lama Lobzang of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) has been asked to remove the status of Patron to Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa and to expel this individual for his international crimes, something that has been disobeyed by Lama Lobzang despite the warning that this would imply a violation of Buddhist Law;

Expressing consternation at the fact that the extermination plan against the Rohingya People is still happening, with thousands of children and women killed, while the international community has not yet demanded Aung San Suu Kyi to stop her international crimes;

Reaffirming the critique against the genocidal role of Buddhist Bhikkhus controlled by the government of Myanmar, among whom one can find Ashin Wirathu and the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee presided over by Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa, being preachers of hatred, apartheid and genocide;

Confirming the fact that due to the Judgment of the Buddhist Tribunal, the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee has banned the Ma Ba Tha group, although it has not banned its Islamophobic ideology, which is why Ma Ba Tha continues to exist under the name of the Dhamma Vansanurakhitta Association or Buddha Dhamma Charity Foundation;

1. It is expressed absolute solidarity with the millions of innocent lives of the Rohingya People that are being systematically and widespreadly annihilated by the illegal government of Myanmar, being persecuted, stigmatized, discriminated, dehumanized, violated, segregated, raped and exterminated in a way as evil as the Holocaust carried out by Nazi regime.
2. It is stated that the Dhamma Vansanurakhitta Association or Buddha Dhamma Charity Foundation is responsible for Complicity with Genocide, Ethnic Cleansing and Crimes against Humanity, and Violation of the Buddhist Law and Human Rights.
3. It is declared that Lama Lobzang will be judged for Violation of Buddhist Law.
4. It is manifested that people like Ashin Wirathu, who exist in Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand, are destroying Buddhism through character assassination, attacking the intrinsic dignity of Spirituality.
5. This Ethical Proclamation is invoked as an act of justice in the face of violations of Buddhist Law and Human Rights carried out by Ashin Wirathu, the State of Myanmar and the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee.
6. It is recalled once again that the Buddhist Path is the Salvation of humanity and of the world through spiritual love.

 

This Proclamation was written two thousand six hundred years after the creation of the Buddhist Community.

 

H.E. Master Maitreya Samyaksambuddha

President and Judge of the International Buddhist Ethics Committee & Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights

 

Case No. 01-2015: Ashin Wirathu & 969 Movement

Official Statement on Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU)

 

The International Buddhist Ethics Committee, on October 25, 2017, decides once again to reaffirm that all the organizations in which Ashin Wirathu participates not only are illegal and genocidal under the International Law, but also constitute False Buddhism in the light of Buddhist Law, betraying Master Gautama’s message of peace and justice. In this regard, concerning the visit of Ashin Wirathu to Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), which happened in March 2016, this action by the MCU is denounced as an act of Complicity with violations of Buddhist Ethics and Human Rights carried out by Ashin Wirathu and the State of Myanmar.

The International Buddhist Ethics Committee confirms the fact that both Ashin Wirathu and the government of Myanmar led by Aung San Suu Kyi are working toward the same goal, which is the Genocide and Extermination of the Rohingya People, reason by which any support to both figures must be sanctioned.

The International Buddhist Ethics Committee confirms that Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) has applied to be accredited by the United Buddhist Nations Organization (UBNO), so it is decided to veto or block the possible institutional membership of MCU within UBNO for being complicit of international crimes.

Finally, the International Buddhist Ethics Committee congratulates those Buddhist Universities around the world who maintain their ethical purity and condemn the False Buddhism of violent groups.

Always with a spirit of reconciliation (maitri),

Master Maitreya Samyaksambuddha

President and Spiritual Judge of the Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights

 

 

Case No. 01-2015: Ashin Wirathu & 969 Movement

 

NOTIFICATION TO THE World Alliance of Buddhists Leaders (WABL)

On August 08, 2017, the International Buddhist Ethics Committee & Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights communicates with the World Alliance of Buddhists Leaders (WABL) as a result to the news that in 2016 they have decided to give the “World Buddhist Outstanding Leader Award” to the PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION OF MYANMAR – MA BA THA (Organization for the Protection of Race and Religion), arguing that it is a peace organization, although it is led by Ashin Wirathu, who has been found Responsible for the charges of Discrimination, Social Segregation, Apology of violence and False Buddhism. In addition, in 2016 the International Buddhist Ethics Committee declared the PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION OF MYANMAR – MA BA THA as a fraudulent and illicit organization violating both the legal code (vinaya) of Buddhist Law and the International Human Rights Law, since it showed public support for the government of Thein Sein, who is responsible for Genocide, Ethnic Cleansing and Crimes against Humanity.

Therefore, the “World Buddhist Outstanding Leader Award” given in Thailand is declared illegal by the International Buddhist Ethics Committee, stating that the authorities who committed this violation of Buddhist Law will be held accountable for this misconduct. While records indicate that Dr. Pornchai Pinyapong gave this award to the PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION OF MYANMAR – MA BA THA and even donated a lot of money for this organization to have a radio station, Dr. Pornchai Pinyapong certainly lost his office as President of the World Fellowship of Buddhist Youth (WFBY) after having committed such acts, reason by which the International Buddhist Ethics Committee exculpates the WFBY. However, it should be mentioned that the “World Buddhist Outstanding Leader Award” was given at an event organized by senior authorities of the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand, which deserves a thorough investigation and total ethical repudiation.

With spirit of Reconciliation (Maitri),

H.E. Master Maitreya Samyaksambuddha

President and Judge of the International Buddhist Ethics Committee & Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights

Case 01-2015: Wirathu

 

ETHICAL ACT ON PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION OF MYANMAR – MA BA THA (Organisation for the Protection of Race and Religion)

Through this Act, on the day June 26, 2016, it is stated that our International Buddhist Ethics Committee internationally repudiates your political and nationalist activities that are performed on behalf of Buddhist Spirituality (Buddha-Sasana). This ethical Repudiation arises from the fact that your organization has as a prominent member to Mr. Ashin Wirathu and other members of the delegitimized “969 Movement” who in March 2015 have been found responsible for charges of Discrimination, Social Segregation, Apology of violence and False Buddhism. Such discriminatory and nationalist conditions that your organization supports obviously go against all ethical and spiritual teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, so it is declared the “Patriotic Association of Myanmar” as a fraudulent and illegal organization that violates both the legal code (vinaya) of Buddhist Law as well as human rights of International Law. Although Mr. Ashin Wirathu has been found Responsible for various heinous crimes against Ethics (Sila) and Buddhist Spirituality (Buddha-Sasana), the “Patriotic Association of Myanmar” has not produced a correction of this discriminatory order, showing an evident complicity and participation in such fraudulent action by promoting racial segregation laws that violate human rights of ethnic minorities, women and children in Myanmar.

Even U Parmaukkha (Magway Sayadaw), one of the founding members of the “Patriotic Association of Myanmar”, has resigned to participate in this organization after seeing the partisan political involvement of it. In addition, since by Mr. Wirathu the “Patriotic Association of Myanmar” has shown its public support to the President Thein Sein, who has been found Responsible for international crimes of Genocide, Ethnic Cleansing and Crimes against Humanity, therefore, it is undeniable that this nationalist and fascist organization led by Wirathu is involved in illegal and non-Buddhists activities.

Finally, given that your organization could not exist without the permission of the “State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee”, which is the highest Buddhist authority associated with the government of Myanmar, it is dictated that this monitoring body has probably been indifferent or complicit with the “Patriotic Association of Myanmar”, so that it will be promptly begun an investigation to subsequently initiate an ethical judgment to such governmental Sangha, where its Responsibility will be determined faced with such discriminatory, illegal and non-Buddhist actions which have been denounced in the Case 01- 2015 of International Buddhist Ethics Committee and also in Case 02-2015 of the Tribunal on Human Rights.

 

Always with spirit of reconciliation,

Master Maitreya

President of International Buddhist Ethics Committee & Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights

Case 01/2015: Theravada Monk Ashin Wirathu & 969 Movement

 

JUDGMENT AND ETHICAL CONCLUSION

 

Dear Prosecutor, Executive Secretary and Members of the Jury of the International Buddhist Ethics Committee (IBEC) and Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights (BTHR).

Regarding the case reported by the World Association of Buddhism (WBA) versus the Theravada monk Ashin Wirathu, on day April 15, 2015, I put on record that the first case of the Ethics Committee is concluded to analyze the violation towards the Buddhist Spirituality made by Theravada monk Ashin Wirathu.

After the huge amount of evidence presented and certified as valid, and following the refusal of the accused ones to make a statement, the vote of six members of the Jury has proceeded, thus confirming that all of them sentenced as “Responsible” to monk Ashin Wirathu for the serious crimes of Discrimination, Social Segregation, Apology of violence and False Buddhism. Since these actions break the Buddhist ethical precepts, such as the abstention from harming other human beings, the messages of hate and Islamophobia by the defendant Ashin Wirathu reveal a complete violation of the Noble Eightfold Path, for there is a lack of righteousness in understanding, thought, words, actions, livelihood, effort, attention and concentration. Concordantly, the accused Ashin Wirathu has already been criminally condemned to prison in the past for inciting violence against dozens of Muslims. Although he was released by a political amnesty, this is a precedent that he is using Buddhism to really transmit a fascist and neo-Nazi nationalism.

In addition, the case of Wirathu and 969 Movement entails a much more serious offense than the violation of Buddhist vows because the public demonstrations of the accused are part of a government campaign of persecution and slaughter against thousands of Muslims who are citizens of Myanmar. Certainly, our International Buddhist Ethics Committee and Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights has strong evidence that the Myanmar government is perpetuating a “genocide” and that this terrible act against humanity is being supported and indirectly endorsed by the 969 Movement led by the defendant Ashin Wirathu.

 

Therefore, the International Buddhist Ethics Committee and Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights rules that Buddhist Spirituality, as a Path of Compassionate Wisdom, must expel Ashin Wirathu and deprive him from all kind of spiritual position as a monk, simultaneously denouncing the 969 movement as a political party that conveys a false Buddhism.

 

Following in the footsteps of Master Siddhartha Gautama, the International Buddhist Ethics Committee and the Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights has decided to proceed against Ashin Wirathu and 969 Movement for provoking a serious injury to the Buddhist Spirituality and the society of Myanmar, reason why Buddhists from all over the world have been convened to establish and clarify the facts of this case. The members of our community have been able to study testimonials that prove these serious allegations. This democratic modality is the Buddhist pathway of Justice, since the President of the Committee and Tribunal is not a dictator who can deliver verdict by himself. In this way, the Committee and Tribunal seek to maintain the harmony of the great World Sangha, but also seek to create the conditions for world peace of all the peoples. In this sense, the Master Siddharta Gautama developed an extraordinary democratic model of Justice, respecting the vision of legal advisors and avoiding at any time to impose a personal judgment. This example of Truth, Peace and Justice should be followed by everyone, whether they are Buddhist or non-Buddhist peoples.

 

With a Reconciling spirit (maitri),

Master Maitreya

Spiritual Guide and President of the International Buddhist Ethics Committee (IBEC) & Buddhist Tribunal on Human Rights (BTHR)

Case n° 01/2015:

Theravada Monk Ashin Wirathu & 969 Movement

 

HONOURABLE JURY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST ETHICS COMMITTEE (IBEC) and BUDDHIST TRIBUNAL ON HUMAN RIGHTS (BTHR)

P R E S E N T . –

In the presence of the President and Spiritual Guide of IBEC-BTHR Buddhist Master Maitreya, and the Executive Secretary of the IBEC-BTHR Master Yan Maitri-Shi, the case denounced by the World Association of Buddhism (WBA) is addressed against the Theravada Monk Ashin Wirathu.-

 

I, Sekka Dhamma, as Prosecutor of IBEC and BTHR, I acknowledge the hard and organized labour performed for the comprehensive compilation of Evidence in this case, similarly, I appreciate the contribution of them for the analysis concerning the Party I represent. That said, with all due respect I appear to expose:

Being received the list of digital media that were gathered, ordered and at the same time confirmed in their order and context as Evidence by the Academic Secretary of the IBEC and BTHR Master Yan Maitri-Shi, I give way to the Third Stage of Procedure called “EVALUATION OF EVIDENCE “, same one that is stated in the Constitutive Act of the IBEC and BTHR in order to know, establish, dictate and determine the Responsibility of actions committed by the Defendant Theravada Monk Ashin Wirathu and the 969 Movement led by him, being all they native and residents in Myanmar (Burma). This Accusation & Requirement were made by the WORLD ASSOCIATION OF BUDDHISM in the field of Buddhist Ethics and Human Rights, an act which follows below:

 

EVALUATION OF EVIDENCE

FIRST EVALUATION.- By being the core part of this procedure, it is necessary to point out the Means of Proof Offered by the Academic Secretary of the IBEC and BTHR Master Yan Maitri-Shi, and formally present them to the Jury for their knowledge, they are composed of 18 evidence that proves the motivating Accusation of the current process, entitled with the Violation, Illegality or corresponding Crime against Buddhist Spirituality and Human Rights, acts perpetrated by the Theravada Monk Ashin Wirathu and 969 Movement. These evidences, which mostly come from written or audiovisual testimonies, are listed below:

EVIDENCE 1: Insults and Sexism

EVIDENCE 2: Acceptance of culpability

EVIDENCE 3: Defamation

EVIDENCE 4: Buddhist testimonies against them

EVIDENCE 5: Islamophobia

EVIDENCE 6: Discrimination

EVIDENCE 7: False Buddhism

EVIDENCE 8: Hatred speech

EVIDENCE 9: Violation against the Buddhist Ethics Code

EVIDENCE 10: Denial of human condition to another people

EVIDENCE 11: Incitement of violence

EVIDENCE 12: 969 Movement as non-democratic

EVIDENCE 13: 969 Movement as discriminatory

EVIDENCE 14: 969 Movement as politically powerful

EVIDENCE 15: Violent consequence from the speeches

EVIDENCE 16: Campaign for boycott Muslim stores

EVIDENCE 17: 969 Movement against Humanitarian Buddhism

EVIDENCE 18: Social Segregation.-

 

SECOND EVALUATION.- Of the evidence provided there is no doubt about the authenticity of them, considering their provenance, as each testimony compiled comes from an internet link where it is found the corresponding information which supports and strengthens the evidence through a news article. Regarding all articles that are offered as a proof they are also labelled the actions of the Theravada Monk Ashin Wirathu and the 969 Movement as terrible faults towards Buddhist Ethics and a clear Violation of Human Rights, (this without prejudice that at the same time the constituent elements of Crimes and their Criminal Responsibility are configured, case that does not concern to jurisdictionally decide on this matter by our Party), there is no objection, disqualification or validation of the digital content by the Party which I represent, by virtue of these are digital media derived from reliable sources and that also were formally and openly published at the time about acts, facts, events and statements reflected in writing and in video, from which there is no doubt about their authenticity and veracity, even more so when they were not legal appeals lodged, statements or clarifications for disclaimer, expressed and direct inconformity regarding what was published, the right of reply exercised or give rise to an investigation into the origin, reputation and veracity of what is expressed by public information means; this in charge of the Theravada Monk Ashin Wirathu and the 969 Movement.-

 

THIRD EVALUATION.- Regarding what was exposed, published, declared and reproduced in the media and that are now presented as digital Evidence for this case by the Academic Secretary of the IBEC and BTHR Master Yan Maitri-Shi, these proofs are determined by the Party I represent as Prosecutor of IBEC and BTHR as LEGITIMATE and VALID, this coupled with the Indictment presented by the WORLD ASSOCIATION OF BUDDHISM (WBA) concerning the following serious offenses to the Buddhist Ethics, Violative Acts against Human Rights and other Offences:

1. Discrimination
2. Social Segregation
3. Apology of violence
4. False Buddhism

These accusations have been confirmed and supported by the aforementioned Evidence that were provided and valued.-

In such a situation, it begins the Stage Four of the Procedure called “REPLY”, in which is set the term of 5 (five) days to the Accused and Requested Party Theravada Monk Ashin Wirathu and 969 Movement, in order that they emit the Reply they wish or corresponds to them facing the Indictment and Requirement with respect to the Evidence provided, accepted and valued by this writing.-

Sekkha Dhamma

Prosecutor of IBEC & BTHR

México, April 2015 (two thousand fifteen).-

 

 

Case against Monk Wirathu and 969 Movement

 

EVIDENCE 1: Insults and Sexism

Monk Ashin Wirathu: “We have already made public the Race Protection Law, but this bitch, without studying it, kept on complaining about how it is against our human rights, just because some loud-mouthed women say so, (…) Can this bitch really be from a respectable background? Don’t assume you are a respectable person, just because you have a position in the UN. In our country, you are just a whore. You may offer your arse to the Kalars… but you will never sell off our Arakan State.”     (http://www.irrawaddy.org/burma/nationalist-monk-criticized-inflammatory-speech.html  Jan 19, 2015)     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAPA7NKynbU

 

 

EVIDENCE 2: Acceptance of culpability

Monk Ashin Wirathu (defended his decision to attack the U.N. envoy with insults): “That was the harshest word (I could think of), so I used it. If I could find a harsher word, I would have used it. It is nothing compared to what she did to our country.”  “I should be glad that succeeded in making this particular comment.” “I am delightfully proud,” (http://thediplomat.com/2015/01/myanmars-mad-monk-strikes-again/ Jan 28, 2015)

 

 

EVIDENCE 3: Slander

 Monk Ashin Wirathu: “Muslims are only well behaved when they are weak. When they become strong they are like a wolf or a jackal, in large packs they hunt down other animals. (..) If we do not protect our own people we will become weak and we will face more mass killings of this kind when they grow to outnumber us. We need to maintain our own population levels. (…) Not only Buddhists, they do not respect other religions either. Apart from themselves, they don’t recognize others as being human. They attack Christians and Hindus too. In fact, they attack everyone. If you don’t believe me hand over your nuclear technology to the Taliban. I promise you, your country will soon disappear, as will the United States. (…)These scenes are horrific. I would not to see such scenes no matter who was doing it.  If the conflict was started because of my preachings in areas where I preach, then our side could have started it, but that is not what happened. They attacked us and we responded, that’s how I see it. (…) I think there are two points to make. Firstly, I am being misunderstood and attacked, and secondly I think that there is a group paying the media to defame me. Certainly, online media is controlled by Muslims and I am beginning to see that in broadcast media too. I think the western world so misunderstands me because of the influence of Muslim media. (…) At first the word extremist felt very bitter, but later it become sweet. I have a real and deep love for this country; I am not just saying it. I am not pretending like a politician for the sake of power. (…) If they call me an extremist then I am pleased to bear that name.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSihfWY41So By BBC News Channel)

Monk Ashin Wirathu: “In every town, there is a crude and savage Muslim majority.” (…) “The local Muslims are crude and savage because the extremists are pulling the strings, providing them with financial, military and technical power,” (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/apr/18/buddhist-monk-spreads-hatred-burma 18 April,2013)

Monk Ashin Wirathu: “(Muslims are) “waging a jihad war on the Rakhine,” (…) “doping young children with drugs to make them fight” (and) “disguising themselves as women to get involved in fights” (http://world.time.com/2013/04/23/burma-accused-of-ethnic-cleansing-for-rohingya-violence/  April, 23, 2013)

Monk Ashin Wirathu: “I think they [Time Magazine] intentionally singled me out to destroy me. The world takes pity on the Muslims as a minority. But study them to understand how bad that small group is, how much trouble they have caused. Our religion is not the only thing under threat. The whole country is. Just as they established Pakistan and Bangladesh, in the 2010’s they’re stepping up efforts to establish an Islamic state in Burma. So the whole country is under threat, not only our faith. We don’t publish rape cases willy-nilly. We published it after a Muslim was arrested. So if an arrest has been made and we are just helping out, nobody will get angry.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtAl9zJ3t-M  Source:  AJ Plus)

 

 

EVIDENCE 4: Buddhist Testimony against Wirathu

Abbot Arriya Wuttha Bewuntha of Mandalay’s Myawaddy Sayadaw monastery: “(Wirathu) sides a little towards hate (…) This is not the way Buddha taught. What the Buddha taught is that hatred is not good, because Buddha sees everyone as an equal being. The Buddha doesn’t see people through religion.” (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/apr/18/buddhist-monk-spreads-hatred-burma/  18 April, 2013)

Monk U Thawbita: “(Wirathu’s words) could hurt Buddhism very badly.” (http://thediplomat.com/2015/01/myanmars-mad-monk-strikes-again/ Jan 28, 2015)

Monk U Ottara: “I feel very sad (about Wirathu´s words). I can say that those are not the kind of words for a monk to use.” (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30930997   Jan 23, 2015)

 

 

EVIDENCE 5: Islamophobia

Monk Ashin Wirathu: “Once we [have] won this battle, we will move on to other Muslim targets.” (http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/apr/18/buddhist-monk-spreads-hatred-burma/  18 April, 2013)

Monk Ashin Wirathu:  “(About pact with Sri Lanka monks) I expect a lot of problems because I have decided to work with Bodu Bala Sena for the upliftment of Buddhism. But we are ready to face anything”. (…) “The problems will not be from within but from outside”. http://www.irrawaddy.org/burma/burmas-wirathu-sri-lankan-nationalist-monks-sign-agreement.html  October 1, 2014)

 

 

EVIDENCE 6: Discrimination

Monk Ashin Wirathu: “Muslims are like the African carp. They breed quickly and they are very violent and they eat their own kind. Even though they are minorities here, we are suffering under the burden they bring us … because the Burmese people and the Buddhists are devoured every day, the national religion needs to be protected.” (http://thediplomat.com/2013/07/in-myanmar-its-free-beer-but-no-time/ July 5, 2013)

 

 

EVIDENCE 7: False Buddhism

Monk Ashin Wirathu: “They [the Muslims] target woman every day and rape them. Starting from today, do we need to protect the religion or not?” (…) “Snakes are poisonous wherever they are. You can’t underestimate a snake just because there’s only one. It’s dangerous wherever it is. Muslims are just like that.” (…) “All the riots were provoked by Muslims. Muslims started it. Otherwise, there would not have been no riots and I and my sermons would not have been accused. Actually, it wasn’t murder. The Buddhists were threatened, and it was self-defence that got out of control.” (…) They will ask for an Islamic state and I worry they will set up a Muslim country. That with their population they will apply pressure by intermarrying and swallowing the other population”  . (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoi5On6hq68  by SBS Dateline)

Tin Tin Nyo (General Secretary of the Women’s League of Burma): “(Wirathu) gives our country a bad reputation… He damages the robes that he is wearing.”  (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30930997   Jan 23, 2015)

Al Haj Ave Lewin, from the Islamic Centre of Myanmar: (if the situation continues) “the image of Buddhism will be damaged”. (On this video they can be seen Wirathu’s explanations about what he preaches; by saying all his words are to protect their nation from Muslim groups): http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/apr/18/buddhist-monk-spreads-hatred-burma

Dr Zarni (specialist in Human Rights in Burma): “[the 969 movement is a] Neo-Nazism with the mask of Buddhism.” (…) “There are different institutions from the state behind this campaign.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoi5On6hq68  by SBS Dateline)

 

 

EVIDENCE 8: Words of hatred

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein (UN human rights chief): “(Ashin Wirathu’s comments amounted to) incitement to hatred.” “I call on religious and political leaders in Myanmar to unequivocally condemn all forms of incitement to hatred including this abhorrent public personal attack”.  (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30928744  Jan 22, 2015)

 

 

EVIDENCE 9: Violation of Buddhist ethics code

Monk U Pandavunsa said that promoting hate speech is against the code of ethics of Buddhist monks. (http://thediplomat.com/2015/01/myanmars-mad-monk-strikes-again/ Jan 28, 2015)

 

 

EVIDENCE 10: Negation of human condition

Monk Ashin Wirathu: “Muslims are only well behaved when they are weak” (…) “When they become strong, they are like a wolf or a jackal; in large packs they hunt down other animals.” (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-23846632  August 29, 2013)

 

 

EVIDENCE 11: Incitement to violence

Monk Ashin Wirathu: “Over the past 50 years, we have shopped at Muslim shops and then they became richer and wealthier than us and can buy and marry our girls,” (…) “In this way, they have destroyed and penetrated not only our nation but also our religion.”  “In the past, there was no discrimination based on religion and race. We all stayed together in a brotherly way,” (…) “But when their [Muslim] master plan has been revealed we can no longer stay quiet.” (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-23846632  August 29, 2013)

Muslim lawyer: “There has been incitement before as well as now. In Mektila most people want to live together peacefully without any problems. But there has been continuous incitement from Wirathu and the 969 movement. The government allows them to operate.”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSihfWY41So

 

 

EVIDENCE 12: 969 as undemocratic movement

Buddhist Monk Kaylar Sa: “At the moment we firmly believe that the 969 movement is unnecessary. The history of our past events is very complex. If this movement continues to be taken seriously it could become an obstacle to democratic reform. We may have to stop this movement (…) We are surprised that Wirathu’s preachings are permitted by the Government.”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSihfWY41So

 

 

EVIDENCE 13: 969 as a discriminatory movement

Monk U Kaymasara: “It may be best if they [Rohingya Muslims] are not here,” (…) “In one Muslim family there are 82 people,” “In (our) families, there are maximum three or four or five.” (http://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/11/world/asia/myanmar-rohingya-minority/index.html       November 12, 2014)

 

 

EVIDENCE 14: 969 as powerful movement

Aung San Suu Kyi (respected Burmese politician and human rights icon): “What the monks say, many people do,” (…) “Our group has been called traitors. It’s very difficult for ordinary people to speak out.” (http://edition.cnn.com/2014/05/29/world/asia/myanmar-interfaith-marriage-laws/index.html  June 4, 2014)

 

 

EVIDENCE 15: Violent consequence of speeches

David Mathieson, a senior researcher for Human Rights Watch: “The area where this happened (killing of muslims) is 5-10 minute drive from where Wirathu’s monastery is,” (…) “This really is his heartland.” (http://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/04/world/asia/myanmar-mandalay-religious-violence/  July 7, 2014)

Muslim Testimony: “(My son) He was out with his friends, one of them was killed on the spot, hacked down. My son was knifed from behind and pretended to be dead. Then they poured petrol on them and set them on fire. He got up and run away but they followed and killed him, then they burnt his body. They were killing Muslims. It was started by the 969 movement. All the problems here are caused by 969.”   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSihfWY41So

 

 

EVIDENCE 16: Testimonies of 969 Movement’s Campaign for boycotting Muslim Stores

Muslim woman: “I started seeing ‘969’ stickers and signs in Rangoon just a couple months ago. Some shopkeepers put them on their storefronts, and taxi drivers stick them to their windshields. It’s a minority, but it belies a wider boycott of Muslim stores. Supporters of ‘969’ have been passing out pamphlets telling people not to shop at Muslim-owned stores. (…) My sister owns a store, and has lost nearly all her customers since the start of this campaign. They know she’s Muslim – she looks Muslim, and wears a scarf. Like many other Muslim business owners, she is facing serious financial troubles because of this boycott. (…) I recently visited one of my oldest friends’ stores, and noticed she had put up a ‘969’ sign. She’s Buddhist and has recently started treating me like a stranger, so I didn’t dare ask her why she did this. All of my closest friends are Buddhists, and all of them avoid me these days. (…) I don’t feel safe in Rangoon anymore. I don’t think Muslims are safe anywhere in this country right now. I would like to go live abroad, but my parents are too old to move, and I can’t leave them alone”. (http://observers.france24.com/content/20130503-%E2%80%98969%E2%80%99-digits-terrifying-muslims-burma  May 3, 2013)

Muslim man:“In Naypyidaw, the ‘969’ campaign has really kicked off in the past few days. Unknown people in vans are now going around house-to-house, shop-by-shop to distribute ‘969’ stickers and DVDs. They’re also putting stickers up in public areas, like at bus stops. It’s like they’re carrying out a marketing campaign! They’re doing this mainly along Yaza Hta Nay Road, which is a major business area but is also home to a mixed community of Buddhists, Muslims and some Chinese business people. (…) Recently, I’ve also seen lots of DVDs of Wirathu’s speeches being sold in town. One store I went to had about 100 copies. Newspaper vendors sell it out on the street, too. Lots of copies are spreading hand-to-hand. Others spread his speeches online, mainly through Facebook. (…) This campaign is clearly influencing Buddhists quite a lot. For example, I’m currently building a house, and some of my employees are Buddhists. They’ve just quit. They either don’t want or don’t dare to talk to me anymore. I saw ‘969’ stickers on their motorbikes. (…) Buddhists now go only to shops owned by Buddhists. Some ‘969’ campaigners warned people not to eat meat and vegetables bought at Muslim-owned stores. They told them that it was poisonous! They said that it was not poisonous immediately, but in six months… (…) Some Buddhists say that the ‘969’ campaign doesn’t attack other religions, that it is just expressing pride in Buddhism. However, since it’s emerged, Muslim communities across the country have been targeted! For us Muslims, ‘969’ is a sign of violence, a threat. The more we see the signs, the more we feel unsafe. Buddhist and Muslim communities that had lived together peacefully in the past are now torn apart because of ‘969’. As long as this campaign exists, I don’t think there will be any stability in Burma.” (http://observers.france24.com/content/20130503-%E2%80%98969%E2%80%99-digits-terrifying-muslims-burma  May 3, 2013)

Abu Tahay (president of the Union National for Development Party):  “This sticker [969’s] is now the symbol of the racists,” (…) “Not only the President but [democracy icon] Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should come out and give a concrete statement about the multicultural nature of our country.” (http://world.time.com/2013/04/02/in-burma-satellite-images-show-extent-of-religious-violence/   April, 2, 2013)

 

 

EVIDENCE 17: 969 against Humanitarian Buddhism

Debbie Stothard (human rights group ALTSEAN): “We’ve seen moderate Buddhists killed by Rakhine nationalists, simply because these people sold rice or provided some sort of humanitarian service to the Rohingya,” (…) “In some communities, moderate Buddhists are far more afraid of the extremist ‘969’ movement than of Muslims in general,” (http://www.dw.de/violence-in-the-name-of-buddhism/a-16929981  July 4, 2013)

 

 

EVIDENCE 18: Social Segregation

Monk Ashin Wirathu: “First of all, they are not an ethnic group and neither are they our citizens. Secondly, if the neighboring countries want to accept them, we will be happy to send them there. Finally, if they have to remain in our territory we will take care of them as refugees with the help of the UN, as we are doing now.” (http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/02/myanmar-buddhist-rohingya-ethnic-divide-20142211421962209.html  February 4, 2014)

Monk Ashin Wirathu: “Whatever you do, do it as a nationalist. If you look at anything with your eyes, see it in nationalist point of view. If you listen anything with your ears, listen it in nationalist way. Anything you do, do it in nationalist way. Nationalism must be routine in your life, as you eat, move or doing business. The weakness of nationalism forced me to preach. But they [the Muslims] are not like that. Whatever they do, they do it for their people. (…) Their religion is the most abuse Human Rights. They are seriously abusing freedom of believe. They join current government party because when this party is elected, they will get position. (…) See, now they got position. If NLD cannot perform according to the believe because NLD office is in Kalar [derogatory name referring to Muslims which means nigger] property, what would happen if they become head of the party, become a member of parliament or become a leader of our nation, it is not easy. Think wisely, it is scary. The more you think, the more you would scare. (…) When military was in power they made friend with generals, (…) and when NLD become famous they influenced her [Aung San Suu Kyi]. When she returns from US, from the airport she used Kalar’s car. (…) She is now under their grip. (…) Beware Rangoon people (…) politician they cannot differentiate between Human Rights and faith. So they can neither protect religion nor the people. If this type of people keeps getting the position, the culture of Ka Htein would vanish (…) Young monks from Mawlamyine, organised Monks Network, printed stickers and asking people to support fellow Buddhist businesses, shop only Buddhist’s shop and use the transportation owned by the Buddhist. They have used slogan eat at 969 restaurant, use 969 transportation buy from (…) sell only 969 (…) do not let your money goes to your enemy. By using this money, they will marry, they will force them to convert to their religion and their children will be a threat for the country. They would destroy our religion. When their population increased, they would do the same as what happen in Rakhine. (…) Our enemy would become powerful and they are the more dangerous for us. (…) We golden Burmese would win this fight. (…) After that we can win more fight and by concentrating the target one after another we have to protect our race.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7irUgGsFYw)

Monk U Nan Daw Ba Tha (Abaya Yakheta monastery in Sittwe): “Let our lives be lost. We have the duty to safeguard our Rakhine land and people.” (…) “If the western gate of Myanmar is broken, the country will become like Indonesia, Malaysia and Afghanistan, a Muslim Nation.” (…) “Ma Thida Htwe [the 26-year girl found raped] sacrificed her life for our Rakhine people. Those Muslim Bengalis had a grander plan in mind.” (…) For any race, it is totally intolerable when a member of their community is assaulted.  Traditionally, the residents of Toungop do not allow any Muslim to come to their town. They felt insulted and were furious when ten Muslims dared to pass through the town. So they beat them to dead.” (…) “The Bengalis [pejorative name to call the Rohingyas] set their homes on fire and then blamed the Rakhines for doing so. Another thing is their guile. Rakhines are no match for Bengalis in deception. Bengalis can easily laugh and cry at the same time.” (…) “The president has ordered to check who is eligible for citizenship. Those who are not eligible are to be sent to refugee camps. And if any third country wants them, they can be sent there.”  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KG2kdcmZG0 Source: Al Jazeera)

Master Yan Maitri-Shi: This video is a Conference in London dated on April 28, 2014 carried out by Dr Maung Zarni and there is a communication via skype in which Tomás Ojea Quintana, who works for Human Rights Watch and who is special reporter in Myanmar talked about the many times he was in Myanmar. He, in fact, was in various mobs where people attempt to boycott his meetings with important Myanmar governmental authorities. He told he was in jail there because of his investigations regarding the abuses and violence that Rohingya people are suffering from decades. He also tells that he met lots of Buddhist monks or Buddhist people who assisted or helped Rohingya Muslims and he said he does not think this is about a religious issue, meaning a Buddhist-Muslim issue, he strongly believes that the roots of the violence against Rohingya is a matter of groups or organizations such as USDA (Union Solidarity and Development Association), which was a Burmese organization formed by Myanmar’s ruling military junta. He also said that the situation in the Rakhine State is gradually and systematically worsening and that those who can make decisions, i.e., first Myanmar’s Government and then the international community, are not reacting in the face of some serious elements of genocide towards Rohingyas. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Mpn5Amp_ZfQ )