Maung Sar Ga, Narinjara News, 3 February 2025

According to U Kon Dala, the abbot of the Uttama Vihara Monastery in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, the military junta is misusing religion by carving Patthana Pali texts onto grenades and artillery shells.

The abbot informed Narinjara News that the junta's act of engraving Patthana Pali texts on military weapons, which endanger human life, constitutes a misuse of religion.

"It's reassuring to hear individuals reciting the Patthana Pali for their own safety. Nevertheless, linking the Patthana Pali to a weapon that could put others' lives at risk is inappropriate, regardless of your perspective. It is also an abuse of faith," remarked the abbot.

The Arakan Army (AA) confiscated grenades and artillery shells, classified as military arms, from the military camp of the junta. These arms bore inscriptions of innocuous Patthana Pali phrases, like "Atthi Paccaya, Natthi Paccaya."

Sayadaw U Kon Dala stated, "'Do not mix religion and politics' signifies that these two ideas ought to remain separate. Numerous individuals perceive this as implying 'monks must avoid politics,' yet in truth, it indicates that religion ought to refrain from interfering in politics or warfare. Religious values ​​ought not to be applied in conflicts, and politics should not rely on religious doctrines. 'Do not blend religion and politics' pertains to the concept itself rather than to people. For instance, religion advises that murder is immoral, yet this notion should not be considered in the realm of warfare. This captures the core idea of ​​the concept.”

         

Buddhist monks also conveyed that the Patthana Pali chant is a spiritual recitation intended for protection and that the junta's exploitation of Buddhist texts for military arms aimed at harming others is incorrect.

They think the junta's utilization of this method is a calculated effort to secure their own safety, yet view this action as immoral.

Military sources indicated that the junta has been employing superstitious practices, creating cabalistic symbols, lighting candles, and positioning prayer beads and Buddha images in a bid to overcome the AA in the Arakan conflict. In spite of these attempts, the junta has suffered losses in every encounter with the AA, failing to secure a single victory.