“Community Dialogue for Social Harmony & Stability in Myanmar“ 
At Myanmar Peace Center
#11, Shweli St., Inya Ln., Dhammazedi Rd., Yangon
(Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Islam, Political, Film, and Other Groups)
Dated: 30/03/2013
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Strongly Condemn all forms of Violence 
by
Sitagu Sayadaw
                                                                               
As a religious leader, I would like to affirm that I strongly condemn all forms of violence.
Today, Myanmar has witnessed riots, violence and clashes between one national race and another in different faith caused by unknown instigators. Actually, racial and religious riots and violence which started from Rakhine State spread to Meiktila in Mandalay Region resulting in clashes between Buddhists and Muslims. It did not stop and moved to some townships in west Bago Region. At the same time, due to unscrupulous people who wanted to exaggerate the situation, rumors disseminated to other states and regions and made the national brethren who want to live in peace and unity anxious about the security matters. This kind of rumor, indeed, is a major hindrance to our country which is marching towards a new society of peace and prosperity. Therefore, I strongly protest and condemn all forms of violence religious, racial and economic violence.

The core essence of Buddhism is based on Non-violence which is termed "Ahimsa" in Pali language. I accept the fact that it is a universal principle and value which other major religions such as Christianity, Islam and Hinduism also embrace. I also believe that all Gods who founded their respective religions talked only about Peace (Santi) but protested violence. So the people of different faiths are requested to live in peace, harmony and co-existence in line with the noble teachings of their respective religions. In doing so, it is of uttermost importance that Tolerance (Khanti), Forgiveness (Khama) and Forgetting each other's mistakes and wrong doings (Anunnyata).

I also wish to urge that rumors and suspects should not be created with ill-intention to bring about violence. They are greatly detrimental to building peace and stability. Those who created suspects among the different communities are committing major crimes while those disseminating rumors are destroying peace and stability. The Buddha used to emphasize by saying, “Ma Anussavena Gahnittha” - which means: “Do not be led by rumors based on exaggerated hearsay without trying to discover the truth yourself”. So I would like to stress that the people should not be led by rumors and moved by suspects. Deduction should be taken through thorough observation and contemplation proving that the rumors are logical and acceptable.

Myanmar is a country rich in cultural heritage where Buddhism is significantly flourishing. It is not a land where uncivilized people are residing. It is a country of multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, ad multi-faith where the people have long enjoyed the rights to worship any religion they choose. The people have enjoyed a fine tradition of following religions and cultural teachings of their parents, teachers and virtuous recluses for thousands of years.
I would like to put my special request that the people who are living on the same land under the same flag drinking the same water stand united reflecting Myanmar's spirit of peace, harmony and co-existence.
The word Myanmar comes from Brahma which means "Noble". The meaning would be complete if it is added with patience, forgiveness, loving-kindness, compassion, justice and rationality. I would, therefore, like to urge the people of Myanmar to be noble-hearted and also united in protecting and preventing violence.

The number of monks in Myanmar figures nearly 500,000 at present which is about the strength of the Myanmar Armed Forces. What I would like to request here is that while the Myanmar Army is carrying out its prime responsibility of defending the sovereignty of the State land for the prevalence of peace and stability within the country, the Sangha (monks) community having an equal strength of the Army crush all forms of violence using the powerful weapon of loving-kindness without using force, contribute towards strengthening of peace and stability of the nation, cooperate with any religious leaders who wish to walk on the same route.

At present, leaders of the country are trying to turn a new page in Myanmar political history. In this time of critical change, religious leaders, social leaders and spiritual leaders are requested to lend helping hands to them in their nation building endeavours. I would here like to express my grave concern that if we are now unable to work together with noble fundamental principles of peace, harmony and co-existence, we are sure to face with unexpected problems and challenges posed by rumors, suspects, riots and violence which would endanger peace and stability of the country. Then we would not be able to continue our on-going democratic process and the country would be back on the road full of hardships and difficulties.

Finally, I would like to reiterate my earnest request that all national races residing in Myanmar, noble-hearted Myanmar people, people of various religious communities holding the noble spirit of non-violence to practise Guardian of the world which is Tolerance, Forgiveness, Forgetting each other's faults and wrong doings and harmonious co-existence and cooperate each other to prevent all forms of violence and strengthen peace and unity in the country.  

Thank you very much. 

 Venerable Dr. Ashin Nyanissara (D.Litt., Ph.D.)
Chancellor of Sitagu International Buddhist Academy
Honorary Professor of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University
Chairman of International Association of Theravada Buddhist Universities
Chairman of the board of director (TDSA) 
Aggamahapaandita,
Mahadhammakathika Bahujanahitadhara,
AggamahaSaddhammajotikadhaja
Sasanadhaja-dhammacariya