There is NO middle class in Myanmar. The west useless careless in combination with this present military government ensure there is only the Military and the Cronies.
The ‘comfortable middle class’ are just mostly the ‘Middle man’ servicing the Military and the Cronies. Granted these are white collar/educated seeing the opportunities that presented with the ebbing of the west policy.
Myanmar has 3 distinct populations, the rural and the urban,the destitute and the hopeful. Above them all is the 3rd the minority ruling class. Until the former 2 force the later to change, overtime the overall gain for the the latter group must be promoted.
Once the urban and rural realize the available equity in material and freedom denied/taken away the change will arrive.
I think it is possible to see past lives but not future lives, for the simple reason that the future is determined by present khamma and thus, unknown. The past lives can be known through meditation because it is simply tracing back various causal connections to the point of birth and before that – into the previous life. Seeing into future lives would imply that actions are predestined. This contradicts notions of khamma and the practical living of the holy life, which relies on present moment thoughts and actions.
Not entirely related but might as well post it now – for anyone into Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, I would be very weary. He was obviously an accomplished monk but his deference to Western scientific thinking was naive and ultimately one must conclude that he was an annihilationist who believed that we are born spontaneously with no causal connection to the past and that death is total cessation. Some Buddhists do not see why it is important to believe in rebirth at all, but when examined closely, denial of rebirth means that every death is “nirvana” whether earned or not, whether it’s a 3 year old child dying or a wise old buddha. This noxious nihilism was the target of the Buddha’s criticism, along with its opposite extreme, eternalism of the likes found in theistic religion.
What does the author think of other suttas in the Nid─Бnavaggo which refer to Dependent Origination/Dependent Cessation in a more practical sense? Like 1:52 (Up─Бd─Бnasuttaс╣Г): up─Бd─Бniyesu, bhikkhave, dhammesu ass─Бd─Бnupassino viharato taс╣Зh─Б pavaс╕Нс╕Нhati / up─Бd─Бniyesu, bhikkhave, dhammesu ─Бd─лnav─Бnupassino viharato taс╣Зh─Б nirujjhati. To me this series of suttas seem to have a fairly straightforward meaning, that by dwelling on the ‘ass─Бd─Б’ of things, taс╣Зh─Б increases; by dwelling on the ‘─Бd─лnav─Б’ of things, taс╣Зh─Б ceases. This is obviously not referring to the birth process of an infant, for such cognitive processes do not occur then. These suttas begin from the middle of DO, avijja etc already in place, and they concern the increase or decrease in craving.
Feeling>craving>clinging>becoming have a straightforward application, observable in one’s own life. The question is of course, what then is “birth” referring to after becoming? In the three lives model, becoming>birth means death and rebirth, continuity like the “great fire” in 1:52 which burns so long as it is given fuel to burn. In the reverse order, cessation of craving brings the rest of the cycle to a stop, after death there is no rebirth. In a one life interpretation, I think we would have to interpret birth and death symbolically, as per Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, but then other suttas like Vibhaс╣Еgasuttaс╣Г contradict this giving straight definitions of the terms.
Mahayana scholar Hajime Nakamura wrote in his biography Gotama Buddha that the entire 12 links series is merely a later innovation, that the Buddha himself never taught or thought it. I find this view interesting but questionable due to the Mahayana bias.
This coup is elitist Bangkokian version of politic, white knight in shining armor who come to clear up everything and people can just do nothing. No matter how pure of heart, without people involvement, they will fail. Just look at the crowd of capable people who flog to rally under the reform flag after the coup(/sarcasm).
For same reason of power centralization, Bangkok can elect their own governor cause their version of hand-off democracy is true democracy.
Look on the bright side, it’s the first time in many years that “civilian” government can control the military.
Btw, Banyan new article will probably be block again soon.
How appropriate that you mentioned “lucre”, as Suzanne Vega’s memorable song may well describe the suituation of the people of the country Burma. My name is Luka!
I will not worry about Buddhist morality of middle class in Myanmar.
As for the ethics/moral justification of the west policy there will be a special hell on earth for those, that will include some NGO/UN as well as all SPOC.
I am really sad to see the general has not appointed a more diverse NLA; one that is more inclusive and reassures the people of the Northeast and the North that their voices will be heard.
Taking Thaksin,the person,and his family members out of politics for the forseable future looks very feasible. But not fostering fresh leadership for the masses he led is not sustainable.
The first line in Thai National Anthem says: Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood.
The key words are “all people”. Gen Prayuth must not forget that.
Hi David – so re-reading your article along with your reply, I understand that in effect you’re saying education is likely only effective if it’s designed to meet needs; and if it’s integrated within an overall policy framework.
If that’s the case I think it’s hard to disagree. A more explicit exploration of how that could be the case in Jokowi’s approach could be helpful. My first reading of your post led me to quite a different emphasis.
The most selfish class in any society yet most vocal and influential. And they traditionally help the “Upper class- these are the real classy ones)to DO the rest, poor trolls (proles) who do not exist. All society works by manipulating the middle class. Easy as they are selfish. Easy as they are yet seen by the Proles as one of their own. a useful rancid bridge.
Dear Keith,
You’re right of course, I’m simplifying. Jokowi did reach out to poor rural voters in the course of his campaign, and beyond education his economic programme also included a welcome commitment to repairing neglected rural roads and irrigation systems. But the two examples I mentioned are not the only aspects of Jokowi’s development thinking which seem inspired more by fantasies of modernity that by practical pro-poor intent. Universal health care, for instance, is a fine ideal, but is an administratively complex insurance scheme, full of private sector partners and electronic referral systems, really going to achieve it any time soon? And what to make of Jokowi’s enthusiasm for the Esemka ‘national car’ (always an ominous sign in Southeast Asia…)?
The key to “Pragmatism” is knowing how it look from the opponents’ vantage points.
With the vast array of “think tanks” and analysts in the west it is amoral to not set the “Politics” away from the another round of useless careless policy.
It was the policy of ‘stick only’ then now near 100% ‘carrot only’ policy.
How long will it take to sustain the citizenry b/f the no U turn of
Democracy/Freedom take hold for good?
Grant the premise for a moment, that the coup was intended to build a platform for a kind of ideal future Thai democracy, and that the interim constitution outlined a framework for beginning. Now look at what has been done with the initial steps of the process, its faithfulness to the letter and intent of the constitution and Prayuth’s own assertions. It fails. It disappoints. It belies all that has been said. It reveals the sham. … Ah, Bangkok, when are you going to start to feel that you’ve been taken for a fool?
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Of pragmatism and politics
Ko Moe Aung
There is NO middle class in Myanmar. The west useless careless in combination with this present military government ensure there is only the Military and the Cronies.
The ‘comfortable middle class’ are just mostly the ‘Middle man’ servicing the Military and the Cronies. Granted these are white collar/educated seeing the opportunities that presented with the ebbing of the west policy.
Myanmar has 3 distinct populations, the rural and the urban,the destitute and the hopeful. Above them all is the 3rd the minority ruling class. Until the former 2 force the later to change, overtime the overall gain for the the latter group must be promoted.
Once the urban and rural realize the available equity in material and freedom denied/taken away the change will arrive.
Political economy of Thai political pathologies
Here is something all those who make negative comments about Bumiphol should think about. And this girl is from Ubon – in Isaarn : http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/The-King-extends-help-to-Ubon-Ratchathani-girl-30241453.html
Review of Being and Becoming Kachin
aung moe
You have any concrete prove regarding on US aids for KIA (for both Millions of dollars and sniper rifles).
Unpopular facts about one of Buddhist philosophy’s most popular doctrines
Rhetoric,
I think it is possible to see past lives but not future lives, for the simple reason that the future is determined by present khamma and thus, unknown. The past lives can be known through meditation because it is simply tracing back various causal connections to the point of birth and before that – into the previous life. Seeing into future lives would imply that actions are predestined. This contradicts notions of khamma and the practical living of the holy life, which relies on present moment thoughts and actions.
Not entirely related but might as well post it now – for anyone into Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, I would be very weary. He was obviously an accomplished monk but his deference to Western scientific thinking was naive and ultimately one must conclude that he was an annihilationist who believed that we are born spontaneously with no causal connection to the past and that death is total cessation. Some Buddhists do not see why it is important to believe in rebirth at all, but when examined closely, denial of rebirth means that every death is “nirvana” whether earned or not, whether it’s a 3 year old child dying or a wise old buddha. This noxious nihilism was the target of the Buddha’s criticism, along with its opposite extreme, eternalism of the likes found in theistic religion.
Unpopular facts about one of Buddhist philosophy’s most popular doctrines
What does the author think of other suttas in the Nid─Бnavaggo which refer to Dependent Origination/Dependent Cessation in a more practical sense? Like 1:52 (Up─Бd─Бnasuttaс╣Г): up─Бd─Бniyesu, bhikkhave, dhammesu ass─Бd─Бnupassino viharato taс╣Зh─Б pavaс╕Нс╕Нhati / up─Бd─Бniyesu, bhikkhave, dhammesu ─Бd─лnav─Бnupassino viharato taс╣Зh─Б nirujjhati. To me this series of suttas seem to have a fairly straightforward meaning, that by dwelling on the ‘ass─Бd─Б’ of things, taс╣Зh─Б increases; by dwelling on the ‘─Бd─лnav─Б’ of things, taс╣Зh─Б ceases. This is obviously not referring to the birth process of an infant, for such cognitive processes do not occur then. These suttas begin from the middle of DO, avijja etc already in place, and they concern the increase or decrease in craving.
Feeling>craving>clinging>becoming have a straightforward application, observable in one’s own life. The question is of course, what then is “birth” referring to after becoming? In the three lives model, becoming>birth means death and rebirth, continuity like the “great fire” in 1:52 which burns so long as it is given fuel to burn. In the reverse order, cessation of craving brings the rest of the cycle to a stop, after death there is no rebirth. In a one life interpretation, I think we would have to interpret birth and death symbolically, as per Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, but then other suttas like Vibhaс╣Еgasuttaс╣Г contradict this giving straight definitions of the terms.
Mahayana scholar Hajime Nakamura wrote in his biography Gotama Buddha that the entire 12 links series is merely a later innovation, that the Buddha himself never taught or thought it. I find this view interesting but questionable due to the Mahayana bias.
Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly
What the hell does that mean?
Open Letter Condemning the Thai Constitution
First sign the NCPO DOES bow to working class/ farmer pressure : http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/428962/ncpo-halts-rubber-sale-after-farmers-rally-threat
Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly
This coup is elitist Bangkokian version of politic, white knight in shining armor who come to clear up everything and people can just do nothing. No matter how pure of heart, without people involvement, they will fail. Just look at the crowd of capable people who flog to rally under the reform flag after the coup(/sarcasm).
For same reason of power centralization, Bangkok can elect their own governor cause their version of hand-off democracy is true democracy.
Look on the bright side, it’s the first time in many years that “civilian” government can control the military.
Btw, Banyan new article will probably be block again soon.
Of pragmatism and politics
How appropriate that you mentioned “lucre”, as Suzanne Vega’s memorable song may well describe the suituation of the people of the country Burma. My name is Luka!
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/suzannevega/luka.html
Of pragmatism and politics
I will not worry about Buddhist morality of middle class in Myanmar.
As for the ethics/moral justification of the west policy there will be a special hell on earth for those, that will include some NGO/UN as well as all SPOC.
Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly
“It has been published here”
“here” meaning in Thailand? If so – where? Cite, please.
Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly
I am really sad to see the general has not appointed a more diverse NLA; one that is more inclusive and reassures the people of the Northeast and the North that their voices will be heard.
Taking Thaksin,the person,and his family members out of politics for the forseable future looks very feasible. But not fostering fresh leadership for the masses he led is not sustainable.
The first line in Thai National Anthem says: Thailand embraces in its bosom all people of Thai blood.
The key words are “all people”. Gen Prayuth must not forget that.
Of pragmatism and politics
Here is a small example of thinking of average middle class man even though this particular one was remarkably extra-ordinary.
http://www.gandhism.net/sergeantmajorgandhi.php
Jokowi’s coming presidency: a cautionary note
Hi David – so re-reading your article along with your reply, I understand that in effect you’re saying education is likely only effective if it’s designed to meet needs; and if it’s integrated within an overall policy framework.
If that’s the case I think it’s hard to disagree. A more explicit exploration of how that could be the case in Jokowi’s approach could be helpful. My first reading of your post led me to quite a different emphasis.
Thanks for replying.
Of pragmatism and politics
“comfortable middle class”
True.
The most selfish class in any society yet most vocal and influential. And they traditionally help the “Upper class- these are the real classy ones)to DO the rest, poor trolls (proles) who do not exist. All society works by manipulating the middle class. Easy as they are selfish. Easy as they are yet seen by the Proles as one of their own. a useful rancid bridge.
Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly
No. It has been published here
Jokowi’s coming presidency: a cautionary note
Dear Keith,
You’re right of course, I’m simplifying. Jokowi did reach out to poor rural voters in the course of his campaign, and beyond education his economic programme also included a welcome commitment to repairing neglected rural roads and irrigation systems. But the two examples I mentioned are not the only aspects of Jokowi’s development thinking which seem inspired more by fantasies of modernity that by practical pro-poor intent. Universal health care, for instance, is a fine ideal, but is an administratively complex insurance scheme, full of private sector partners and electronic referral systems, really going to achieve it any time soon? And what to make of Jokowi’s enthusiasm for the Esemka ‘national car’ (always an ominous sign in Southeast Asia…)?
Of pragmatism and politics
The key to “Pragmatism” is knowing how it look from the opponents’ vantage points.
With the vast array of “think tanks” and analysts in the west it is amoral to not set the “Politics” away from the another round of useless careless policy.
It was the policy of ‘stick only’ then now near 100% ‘carrot only’ policy.
How long will it take to sustain the citizenry b/f the no U turn of
Democracy/Freedom take hold for good?
Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly
Grant the premise for a moment, that the coup was intended to build a platform for a kind of ideal future Thai democracy, and that the interim constitution outlined a framework for beginning. Now look at what has been done with the initial steps of the process, its faithfulness to the letter and intent of the constitution and Prayuth’s own assertions. It fails. It disappoints. It belies all that has been said. It reveals the sham. … Ah, Bangkok, when are you going to start to feel that you’ve been taken for a fool?
Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly
Perhaps more like what Peking wants? The new Thai junta has Chinese backing, you know.