YMBA presenting the title to Monk Wasawa
Mizzima
The Young Men’s Buddhist Association (YMBA) has given a religious title to a monk who has allegedly overseen attacks on people’s defence forces (PDFs) by the junta aligned Pyu Saw Htee militia.
Monk Wasawa, also known as 550 Sayadaw, was bestowed the title ‘Mingala Dhamma Jotikadhaja’ by YMBA Central for his “dedicated service to the wellbeing of the patriarch and religious affairs.”
Sayadaw Wasawa was given the title despite leading the Pyu Saw Htee militia in Kantbalu Township, Sagaing Region. He has organised Pyu Saw Htee training in Kantbalu Township and, according to junta associated Telegram channels he has also overseen counter attacks against PDF groups.
Monk Minsunya from the Buddhist University criticised the award of the title. He explained that Sayadaw Wasawa has broken the rules and precepts that monks have to follow as laid out in the Vinaya texts. They state, amongst other things, that monks cannot visit places where there are military displays, let alone witness armed forces in operation and issue them with orders. He also emphasised that any monks who take up weapons have to be disrobed and forfeit their status as monks.
Monk Minsunya said: “Someone who has done what Wissawa has done should not be given this title. Though the title is supposed to honour the guardians of the national religion his [Wasawa’s] actions have eroded it [Buddhism]. Wasawa, the recipient of this title, personally oversees the training of the Pyu Saw Htee militia.”
He further explained about Wasawa’s actions saying: “He actively advocate for militias to harm innocent individuals. By providing military instruction, he is no longer adhering to the monkhood.”
This is not the first time that the YMBA has bestowed titles on people who commit warcrimes. In October 2019 the YMBA conferred the honorary title of Maha Mingala Dhamma Jotikadhaja on Min Aung Hlaing and appointed him as the permanent patron of the YMBA.
