NARRATIVES OF HOPE AND HEALING PERSONAL ACCOUNTS OF DISPLACEMENT AMONG BUDDHISTS IN MYANMAR

 

ABSTRACT

The Myanmar civil war, also known as the Burmese Spring Revolution or People's Defensive War, has led to significant displacement of the people. Following the 2021 military coup and subsequent violent crackdown on anti-coup protests, many citizens, including Buddhist people, have been forced to leave their homes, facing profound loss and trauma. This study aims to explore the psychological and emotional experiences of displaced Buddhists in Myanmar, focusing on their narratives of suffering, hope, and healing. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach, involving in-depth interviews with displaced Buddhists. Participants were asked about their experiences of displacement, psychological challenges, coping strategies, and the role of Buddhist practices and community support in their lives. The interviews were analyzed to identify common themes and narratives. The findings reveal that displacement has caused significant psychological distress, including trauma, anxiety, and depression. However, participants also demonstrated remarkable resilience and hope. Buddhist teachings and practices, such as mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation, provided crucial psychological support. They strongly believe in karma (the cause and result of good and bad things from culakammavibhaṅga sutta) and eight LokaDhamma (eight kinds of good and bad universal truths from Lokadhamma sutta). This study contributes to understanding how displaced populations cope with trauma and adversity, emphasizing the transformative potential of Buddhist teachings in fostering healing and resilience. The short-term meditation center program and free Dhamma talk program given by Buddhist monks are helping them in the healing process now and then. Most of them are holding anāpānassati, buddhānussati, and mettābhāvanā for daily practice. The insights gained can inform practitioners, policymakers, and future research on effective, culturally sensitive interventions for displaced populations.

Keywords: Buddhism, Displacement, Healing, Suffering, Trauma.

ICPBS18-2025-IN-27

Nandiya Bhikkhu PEKHON

University of Kelaniya, Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Sri Lanka

18th International Conference on Pali and Buddhist Studies 

"towards mindfulness for a peaceful tomorrow" 

23rd of January 2025

Organized by the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Faculty of Humanities and social science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.