Insight Myanmar

Episode #223: Raised in a Myanmar military compound, Thinzar Shunlei Yi grew up sheltered from her nation's realities. University life exposed her to diverse ethnic narratives, challenging her military-centric worldview. Embracing democracy through literature and the internet, she grappled with guilt over the military's oppression. Her activism took shape through protests and performance art, even embodying a displaced Shan person to promote empathy among the Bamar majority.The 2021 coup unified various groups against the military, and Thinzar saw this as an opportunity to advocate for a federal democracy. Her Buddhist faith guided her ethical activism, striving to separate true teachings from the military's nationalist propaganda. Her public portrayal of a military victim gained international support. Despite personal sacrifices, Thinzar's journey from a soldier's daughter to a prominet activist symbolizes a profound shift towards a hopeful future for Myanmar.“You see all your close friends being tortured, sometimes killed, and also different stories coming out from the ground every day, we have to deal with these news,” Thinzar Shunlei Yi says in closing. “In the morning, you will be really sad and depressed, you don't know what to do, you're not in a position to control things; and in the evening, you will be motivated again, because you see the whole picture of what the revolution is about, and still people are striving, and this is for the good for the country.”

Episode #222: Davin Hartanto, an experienced migration agent, discusses changes in Australia's student visa strategy, particularly how it is affecting Myanmar nationals after the coup. The changes are intended to verify applicants' intentions to return home after studies, a problematic criterion for those from conflict zones. Hartanto explains the discretionary power of immigration officers, which has resulted in a high visa refusal rate for Burmese applicants, which escalated notably after the coup. He suggests a correlation between visa rejections and Australia's prioritization of Myanmar nationals already in-country.Hartanto criticizes the politics of immigration, with the Labour Government accusing the previous Coalition Government of running a broken system, particularly concerning the Genuine Temporary Entrant visas. Despite proposed reforms, specifics remain unlegislated, leaving many in limbo.Hartano notes a discrepancy in the treatment of Burmese asylum seekers compared to those from other conflict zones. Hartanto points to the importance of advocacy and unity to influence immigration policy, and highlights the role of political processes in these decisions. Yet as frustrating as this can seem on one hand, Hartanto also sees a silver lining in the form of greater activism, which can then impact policy.“As much as we hope, and really want Australian government to do more, they're limited by the migration program quota [and] all these processes are really driven by the political process,” he says. “I understand and appreciate that the issues of immigration law is never as simple as it seems… My message to listeners is to unite, to keep raising this awareness, keep talking about it, keep sharing experiences amongst others, and keep helping each other.”

Episode #221: Our guest, Lorenzo Colombo, talks about the great Italian monk, U Lokānatha. Born Salvatore Cioffi near Naples in 1897, his family temporarily moved to New York due to economic difficulties. Salvatore embarked on a spiritual quest early in life. Though his family were devout Roman Catholics, Salvatore initially explored positivism but eventually found himself drawn to Buddhism, quite unusual for a Westerner at that time.Salvatore abandoned his family and possessions, venturing to Asia in search of spiritual fulfillment. His quest took him through India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and finally to Burma in 1925, where he ordained as a Buddhist monk, adopting the name U Lokānatha. In the remote regions of northern Burma, he engaged in intense meditation, developing supernatural abilities and a deep understanding of Buddhist teachings.U Lokānatha's journey didn't end there; he toured the US and Europe, introducing Buddhism as a practical and spiritual path for the common person. He connected Buddhist principles with science, politics, and psychology, emphasizing inner peace as a means to achieve world peace. His life touched a great many people, including such luminaries as Sayagyi U Ba Khin, Webu Sayadaw, B.R. Ambedkar, the Thai Royal Family, Munindra, S.N. Goenka, Sun Lun Sayadaw, General Aung San, the Sri Lankan head of state, and Mahasi Sayadaw, while also trying to even convert Mussolini and the Pope to Buddhism!Despite facing challenges, U Lokānatha's unwavering determination and commitment to sharing the Dhamma left a lasting impact on the world. His story continues to inspire those on their own spiritual journeys, highlighting the transformative power of spiritual exploration and inner peace.

Episode #220: Elliott Prasse-Freeman, author of the recent book “Rights Refused,” joins the podcast for a wide-ranging, erudite discussion.Prasse-Freeman first distinguishes between two kinds of anti-regime acts. One he calls an act of “refusal.” In other words, one avoids direct confrontation and instead supports various prosocial, community-based society initiatives around things the state is unwilling or unable to support. The other he calls an act of “resistance,” when it the time is ripe to physically protest.Speaking about the culture of sacrifice that has evolved in Myanmar, especially since the coup, he sees Burmese activists carefully considering which pathway of protest is most appropriate in a given situation, while knowing that at some point, great personal sacrifice will eventually be demanded of them. It requires careful consideration to decide “when is the culture of sacrifice is truly sacrificial for the people, and when is it actually just for your own glory.” the years.Another area Prasse-Freeman explores is the concept of “rights,” which is different than they are understood in the West. In Myanmar, they are more often understood as “opportunities,” as opposed to fundamental human privileges safeguarded by a society or nation.In other words, having “rights” is not understood as a fundamental condition that all people should enjoy, but a zero-sum game where communities compete against each other for finite resources. More marginalized populations, such as the country’s ethnic minorities, must compete the hardest—and against each other—to get even a small slice of the remaining pie.In closing, he says: “When you don't ever presuppose you have rights in the first place, you never get caught in that downward spiral of demobilization. You know that if you want something, you have to go out and create it! So it takes a lot of work, but it can also be hopeful at the same time.”

The Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS) in Washington DC leverages public data to uncover illicit activities linked to global security threats and human rights abuses. As our guest Savanna Slaughter explains, her team focuses on natural resource security, wildlife crimes, and national security concerns. In Myanmar, they have been investigating the junta's military funding and illicit financial flows, including crony financing.However, sourcing data poses significant challenges, especially in Myanmar, where corporate activities are often shrouded in secrecy. C4ADS relies on public data, leaks, and informants to decipher complex networks. The team also utilizes digitized data and extensive cross-referencing with social media to construct clearer profiles of their subjects.Investigating illicit financial operations involves tracing shell companies and obscured transactions, often requiring a mix of diligent research, data analysis, and sometimes luck or insights from criminal probes. Slaughter mentions the constant emergence of shell companies exacerbates their work, making their task akin to playing “Whack-A-Mole.”“Moving forward with this is going to require a lot more innovation,” Slaughter says in closing, “in terms of identifying companies of interest, perhaps working to develop some screening lists, or building out directors of interest and combining corporate data in a new way to form screening lists for shell companies and things like that.”

Episode #219: “The whole military is fragile. The military is collapsing,” says Kyaw Zaw, the spokesperson for the National Unity Government. “This is an unprecedented time, and a turning point in this revolution. It shows that we are winning, and when we are fighting together, then the military is collapsing. When the military fails, then this revolution will succeed!”Despite the pre-coup perception of Myanmar's military might, corruption and defections have significantly weakened it. Battalions are undermanned, while the NUG provides for defectors' families, aiming to rebuild the nation.Concerning Operation 1027, Kyaw Zaw highlights the display of unity and close coordination amongst diverse groups in Myanmar. He envisions a transition from dictatorship to federal democracy, a system change backed by meticulous planning and broad cooperation.He appreciates Western support but expresses disappointment in the lack of sanctions on jet fuel, as the military, bolstered by Russian aid, continues airstrikes. He hopes for greater UN and ASEAN involvement to curb Russian support and advocates for No Fly Zones or defense systems to protect civilians.He also criticizes the UN's approach to humanitarian aid, which he claims bolsters military resources instead of reaching those in need. Kyaw Zaw remains optimistic that post-military rule will not lead to civil war, but ta unified, peaceful Myanmar focused on building a federal democracy. He stresses that the resistance is already laying the groundwork for a new charter and transitional government, with plans for a new Central Bank to revive the economy, highlighting Myanmar's potential for a democratic future.

Episode #218: Beth Upton, a former Buddhist nun who practiced extensively in Burma and has become an influential teacher in the West, returns to the podcast. She reflects on how the richness of Burmese Buddhism has profoundly impacted her identity and teaching style, and highlights the critical need to acknowledge and preserve its spiritual heritage, especially in the face of the ongoing crisis.The prolonged conflict, she notes, has not only limited access to the depth of Burmese teachings, but she explains how it poses a threat to an understanding of Buddhist teachings globally, given Burma’s rich, diverse and unique depth of Buddhist teachings. She describes the challenge of interpreting suttas through modern cultural lenses, stressing the value of ancient commentaries common in Burmese Buddhist studies. Beth also believes that experiencing Burmese culture enriches one's understanding of Buddhism beyond just meditation techniques. She worries that reducing Buddha's teachings to “technique” overlooks the crucial relational aspects that are vital for spiritual growth.She reflects on the generosity, warmth, and community spirit in Burmese Buddhism, which she has found hard to replicate in the West, but which offer invaluable insights into personal growth. For example, while Buddhist terms like karma and vipassana have spread globally, the key concept of ‘kusala’ (skillful action), which is so commonly referenced in Burmese Buddhist communities, is much less known. This concept encompasses a wholesome way of life, extending beyond meditation. The loss of access to Burmese Buddhist culture, she fears, leaves a gap in fully understanding these broader aspects of the practice.“If we don't reciprocate, then we lose something in ourselves,” Beth says in closing. “We lose some authenticity or alignment in ourselves, on some level, and we know something is out of balance there. Whether you've directly spent time in Myanmar or not, if you are a dedicated practitioner of the Dhamma, then part of that has come from the Burmese tradition, and the dedication of the of Burmese practitioners over hundreds of years. So when we receive that gift, and we don't repay it when reciprocity is needed, we are not fully congruent in ourselves.”

Episode #217: Bo Thanmani has emerged as a pivotal figure in the resistance against the military coup in Myanmar. Born into poverty as Tun Oo, he became a monk to access education, which led to English study, further opening the door to democratic thought. His earlier advocacy for human rights led him to undertake bold Peace Walks across Germany, the US, and Thailand; garnering international attention in the process. However, the brutal response to peaceful protests after the 2021 military coup shattered his belief in nonviolence.Frustrated by international inaction and witnessing the death of a friend, Bo Thanmani regretfully came to conclude that combatting the military required armed as well as nonviolent action. He disrobed and became a regional leader in the resistance. Controversy arose when a group under his aegis, the Yinmabin PDF, faced allegations of abductions and killings. Bo Thanmani vehemently denied personal involvement but admitted to the group's actions. “I don't know whether the international media or international readers will really believe or not if I am the murderer of these 10 people, but I tell you, I can swear, I never ordered, and I never sent someone to kill.”Amidst the controversy, Bo Thanmani critiques the weakened state of Buddhism in Myanmar, blaming the military for destroying monasteries. Looking to the future, Bo Thanmani anticipates that there may very well be fewer monks and devout lay Buddhists in Myanmar… but he’s ok with this. “There will be only pure Buddhists and the monks who really love the Dhamma, and who really want to practice meditation. Those monks will remain in the future. So I don't concern with that.”He remains committed to nonviolent action himself, his focus now on education. He remains hopeful, believing the crisis reveals true monastic allies of the people, and he foresees a future with fewer but more dedicated practitioners. Bo Thanmani's journey reflects the turbulent intersection of spirituality, activism, and the harsh realities of resisting oppressive regimes.

Episode #216: Helena Cing Deih Sian explores the interaction of socio-historical context and urban spaces, emphasizing how history manifests in architecture and planning. Her work investigates the influence of memories in shaping the narrative of a city, particularly focusing on Myanmar. She explores how architecture serves as a medium of identity expression and community remembrance, albeit sometimes warped by those in power.Helena discusses how the military junta has manipulated historical narratives to maintain dominance, in particular overshadowing minority histories. She critiques the regime's practices, such as the rebranding of significant sites like the Yangon University's Student Union building, the commercialization of the Secretariat building, and the wholesale move to Nay Pyi Daw, as predilections to erase uncomfortable parts of the past. These actions, she suggests, demonstrate a governance style that relies on neglect and selective memory.Despite the regime's attempts at historical manipulation, Helena finds hope in the persistence of oral histories and personal memories. The people's stories, particularly those shared through movements like the Civil Disobedience Movement, defy the junta's narrative control. Helena concludes that as long as these narratives are passed down, the true essence of Myanmar's history and the spirit of its people remain unassailable.

Episode #215: Ko Ko Aung's life journey is a testament to resilience and purpose amidst Myanmar's political unrest.He was raised in a middle-class family in southern Myanmar, yet unlike his two brothers, Ko Ko Aung chose to focus on academics rather than the family business, making ngapi. He went to study law in Australia, aiming to aid his homeland's transition to democracy.Upon graduation, Ko Ko Aung specialized in immigration law, unknowingly preparing for the post-2021 coup crisis that saw countless Burmese seek asylum. He found himself confronting an Australian system that often rejected Burmese visa applicants without proper review, contrasting starkly with the more positive treatment of refugees from Hong Kong, Ukraine, and Afghanistan. He labored pro bono, developing guides to navigate Australian immigration bureaucracy, yet faced a daunting rejection rate for Burmese applicants.Despite the grim scenario, Ko Ko Aung remained hopeful, spotlighting options like the Protection Visa and the Skilled Refugee Visa Program. These alternatives gave a glimmer of hope for Burmese refugees, with the latter allowing community sponsorship. He also expresses the need for the Burmese community in Australia to do more outreach to educate people, including immigration officials, about what is happening in Myanmar“During these difficult times, because we come from a Buddhist country, the teaching of the Dhamma, we cannot be we cannot forget about that. Meditation and our Buddhist teachings have been helping me a lot going through this,” he says in closing. “During these tough times, being mindful will help a lot in terms of getting through these tough times.”