Tricycle | Awake in the World

More on the so-called saffron revolution (even though Burmese monks' robes look more like red.) Violence continues in the streets; the UK Telegraph reports on how Buddhism permeates Burmese life (and thus the people empower the monks); an editorial in the Bangkok Post wonders what Buddhists outside Burma can do.

There are videos all over YouTube and the web if you want a glimpse of what is happening. Certainly it is a frightening, exciting time. Are we witnessing Buddhism helping deliver a democracy in troubled and thoroughly undemocratic southeast Asia? Or just another act of violent repression from another dictatorship against another failed movement? Take a moment to think of the bravery of those involved in the protests. People have already died and many others risk death in the name of freedom -- and Burmese bloggers struggle to get the news out to a watching world.

On another note, we got a note from a student at the art academy Gerrit Rietveldacademie in Amsterdam. They say they are inspired by Zen Buddhism and the drawing here (ink on paper by ilona) shows it. Visit their site and take a look.

- Philip Ryan, Webmaster