From - CHAPTER (1) Unexpectedly, I saw one of my colleagues, a monk called U Agga, and Moe Nyein who is my fellow

student. I also noticed that they were accompanied by a western woman. I glanced at her, and then called Moe Nyein. I had an appointment with a foreign couple that dominated my thoughts. They seemed friendly. Perhaps they had experienced the Myanmar humorous smile in their short time here. In a while, I had a chat with Moe Nyein and I found that western woman had been talking with U Agga................................etc.

From - CHAPTER (2) He left to talk with her. At that moment, I saw that U Agga went out with a group of four young western foreigners. After a while, Moe Nyein signaled me that he was ready to leave. We both went around the pagoda from the left. At the entrance of the southern terrace lift, near the banyan tree, we waited for the foreign couple, who would come here after collecting their shoes from the shoes counter. At that time, I saw Aurlie again. She was heading towards us. Moe Nyein ran quickly to hide between two small pagodas. I followed him..............................................etc. We took the taxi quietly without speaking much.When we arrived at the lake, we found a Chinese restaurant and ate together there. For a while, we talked about our lives. Since I was 3 years old, I have lived in the monastery because my parent left me there with my teacher who was a monk. Now, I am studying Pali language in university and foreign languages in gratis monastive school. I said. Me, I am living in la Reunion. Do you know that island? she asked me. No I replied.

It is a small French island near Africa. I am teaching the French language to the children there. Now, I have long holidays for six months. My brother is living in Madagascar near my island. He is living together with an African woman there. My parents are separated...................................................etc.

From - CHAPTER (4) Hi, where are you going? I asked her. She showed a map with the name of the address. I read the address. It was a name of the meditation center. Where do you come from? I asked her. From Italy she answered Do you practice meditation? I asked. Yes, in Mandalay. But, there were no teachers who can explain to me in English. Thats why I want to go to this meditation center. she said............................................etc. After having half of the meal, I did not want to finish it anymore. I had a soft drink and a cigarette. She did not ask if I can smoke as a monk. This is also kind of breaking Buddhist monks law. Such as having meal with her on the same table, touching women even accidentally could be seen as disobeying the Buddhist monks law because we were ordinary monks (Puhtuootzin). Travelling in the afternoon without obvious reason would be a law breaking conduct too.................................................etc.

From - CHAPTER (5) I was also partially blooded with Rakhine ethnicity. My father was a Rakhine-Chin and my mother was Burmese. She gave birth to me in Toungoo and I was detached from Rakhine language. Though I was partially blooded with Rakhine, being brought up in a Burmese monastery gradually reduced my Rakhine characters. When I was in monastery which was populated by Rakhine monks, I had some conflicts with the Rakhine monks for the one reason as I could not speak Rakhine dialect well. I accepted myself as a half-blood of Burma-Rakhine. Most ethnic groups love their own people. In Myanmar, Rakhine, Shan, Karen and Mon are well-known ethnic groups. They possess a large proportion of the Myanmar population. On the grounds of ethnicity, national geographics and politics, they are famous not only in Myanmar but also in the world. The Rakhine ethnicity in terms of its characteristics are very strong, there is a popular proverb (try to kill a Rakhine first, and then kill the viper snake later, if your find both simultaneously) I used to hear this proverb when I was young seeing others teasing Rakhine novices and monks. But I had no specific feeling about the proverb because I felt that I no longer had Rakhine particular habits. Karen ethnic groups were well-known around the world because they have been in arms fighting against SPDC government for long time. In my childhood, our town near to the border of Karen state was known as an insurgent area. KNU, An armed organization had spoken a lot the country dwellers. Myanmar people used to see Karen as rebels of the arm force. To be realistic, in that age of SPDC, army, police and KNU forces were not too different and all of them share same similarities. Many Burmese soldiers used to loot, rape, set fires and do misconducts around Myanmar. Those soldiers used to be very rude and unintelligent and they had almost lost their human habits. Shan ethnic groups occupy large a population and they are also known for historical reasons. In this recent age, the deceased Khun Sa, the drug lord was notorious for selling drugs. There are several sub groups in Shan ethnics. The Shan and Rakhine shared the same attitude that

they did not want to give Burmese monks a place in their monasteries. Therefore, Burmese monks are rarely seen in their regional monasteries. If they were more than 3 of the same ethnics, they did not want to take a unity with other Burmese monks. I found Karen were easier to deal with than other ethnic monks, whatever they were monks or people. Besides, in their monasteries, they used to warmly welcome Burmese monks without ethnic discrimination.............................etc.

From - CHAPTER (6) At the front of British embassy, we all stood still for a moment and recited Mitta Sutta. Then I went up to flag holders and took out the posters which I wrote with Pho Phu. I gave one poster to a novice and this novice held it to the embassy. In my mind, I felt that it was if we had won. The people and the poster become wet within about 3 minutes the poster dissolved. But I imagined that the embassy might have taken a photo of it. We turned to the left from the British embassy and we led them towards the India embassy. Here all monks and people prayed about Mitta Sutta at the front of embassy. I gave another poster to young novice. We spent about 10 minutes standing there praying. After that, we continued to walk to the American embassy. In front of old American embassy, there were more people and monks crowding the street, it rained heavily and I become chilled. We prayed for 15 minutes. One monk had an upturned bowl. The monk was also my friend. Many people donated clean water, sweets to the monks all long the road. The rain became heavier. Today, we could show the true strength of Sangha. Coincidently, there I met a Korean Nun and her translator. The Nun and I shared the same teacher. I was glad. They greeted me and asked me where we would go. I said them that we were heading for Sule pagoda. I had to run forwards and backwards to encourage the mass to be disciplined when walking while praying Mitta Sutta.....................................................etc.

From - CHAPTER (8) When I passed my teachers apartment, it halted my thoughts. I went up the stairs because I wanted to explain to my teacher why I had been absent from the class. I admired my teacher very much. He was very clever at Pali language and his always stays calm and collected. His wife was friendly. She was younger than my teacher. I knocked on the door, it opened and I saw my teachers wife. When she saw me, she told me to enter into the room quickly. In the room, I saw my teacher sitting in a chair. Are you fine? I greeted him. Fine, how about you? he asked me. I felt better now and came here to tell you why I have been absent from the class I said. Thats not a problem. My daughter and a Korean nun told me that you have been leading the protest he said. Yes, I met a Korean non in the protest. I told him. They photographed you he said. I was surprised and realized that it was not possible to keep away from all the photographers or media. But I had to continue my work in protest. Where is the Korean nun? I have not seen her in such a long time I asked. She went back to Korea his wife said. Really! By the way, this protest was partly related to the affairs in your Buddhist monks University I said.............................................................etc.

From - CHAPTER (9) Today, where will you go? she asked. Ill bring you to the hotel the first and I also have to meet with the monks I said. We continued walking. At the ticket selling counter, I found a foreigner couple buying ticket to Inlay. I asked at the counter. Those buses would drop the passengers at Shwe Nyaung? Yes, to Ngaung Shwe. You will have to change the bus at Shwe Nyaung as transit the man said.............................................................etc. We could not stop and we have to continue. We will be successful. But, I wonder why all people have not shown up. I said slightly wingding. Only a few people joined us, just the young people. The students of our class came with us. he said. It is good! The nun from Korea went back to her country. She was with us in the early days I told him. There are nuns coming. Today, they would walk with us. he said. I think everyone is ready I said........................................................etc.

At that time, the monks became active and all the people started to clap loudly together. They were ready to go. So, I could not stop them here anymore. We kept in time and started to go up to the Shwedagon pagoda. At that time, some foreigners and journalist reporters came and took the photos of us. Some of them took video documentaries. I kept myself out of the view of the media. The clapping arose heavily and the monks started to go up to the Shwedagon pagoda. The nuns followed after the line of monks. Some monks were already on the platform of Shwedagon and were waiting there...........................................................etc. Today, after you left from Shewedagon pagoda, more monks arrived. He said. Really! Where were they heading for? I asked him. Through the Nyaungdon Street, they moved to Aung San Suu Kyis residence. But I heard, they were not permitted to enter the street he said. Maybe, if there were fewer crowds, the guards would not allow them I replied. I heard that some artists would come to donate lunch to the protesters monks. Zarganar and Kyaw Thu would be here One student said. I also got that message. That sounds great because, they are famous and it would attract more peoples attention I said.....................................................................etc.

After calling to my hometown, I remembered NLD senator U Aung Soe Oo elected in 1990 to whom I used to visit frequent in his home when I was young in Taungoo. I thought that he also would not be able to be active in times like this, such as in 1988. Then I called my students and some friends and I told them to beat Kyeythone Pagoda tomorrow. They all knew that I have been involved in the protest. And they also intended to take part tomorrow. I came back to the table for having meal.................................................................etc.

From - CHAPTER (10) I paid my respects to him and headed for the Kyeythone pagoda in rush. There was a crowd in front of it. Actor Kyaw Thu was more inspirational for the people than protest leader monks. It was normal for actors to attract people. It was helpful for increasing the publics knowledge about the protest. Actor Kyaw Thu and comedian Zargana visited us for a short time. People came to see them. Many people around the world are generally interested in famous actors and actress. Once, I had great difficulty in finding a place to stay in Yangon. One of my friends told me about the famous model Victoria, wife of world well-known football player David Beckham, was trying to find a good house in Hollywood to buy. I told to him at that time. My struggle to find accommodation is more important than Victorias search for another mansion..................................etc.

Near the NLD main office, the old senators of NLD joined us with the posters. We managed the group to be arranged in lines of monks, nuns and people. The situation became stronger than I expected. The political parties, students, workers, monks organization and different civilian class became involved in the revolution. U Htavara and I warned about peaceful demonstration throughout the course. My student was very helpful. He brought some drinking water and fed me. Other monks were also supervising actively. At the junction of U Wiasara road and Dhama Sedi road, monks movement about Pattanikuzana religious protest turned out to be political demonstration. Before arriving at Myaynigone junction, I discussed urgently with U Htavara. The 4-5 monks at the forefront were very active and helpful to attract public. But they seemed not interested in supervising the group. We met each other just in the protest and we did not know each other. I thought they were political monks. U Htavara got close to me. His face showed embarrassment................................................etc.

From - CHAPTER (12) I walked at the side of the iron wire fences and at near Bahan Bazaar, I met with a western lady. She said shes from Germany. She seemed not interested in our protest. I assumed her as an ordinary traveler. I introduced to her myself and invited her to have tea with us. I had another appointment with other monks. She was almost about 50 years old. At the teashop, we talked to each other in English and also in German. After a while, U Agga and other leader monks came here. They came to me and asked about the situation What would we do? one monk asked me...........................................................etc.

Today, most of the monks would come to Kyeythone pagoda where there was soldiers and polices occupying the area and the street was already closed by polices. At the middle platform of Shwedagon, I saw the door of upper platform was guarded by the people who work at the pagoda. I had been standing there near betel quid shop and looked around. I saw a western woman at that time and I imagined her as unordinary traveler. So, I asked her..................................................................etc.

When people saw monks were beaten, people and some monks felt angry and then, they fought against the police. One cover shield of a police was taken by one of my student. The police were thrown by the stones, bricks in the anger of public. Police used tear bombs and they fired into the sky first. They tried to beat the people. There was a violent riot between polices and

people. I saw a Chinese woman interviewing using an electronic player. My both cheeks were wet with tears. This woman came to me to interview. I tried to produce my voice by crying. Then, I went out and collected the injured monks and brought them to Sein Pan Monastery which was familiar to me and so, convenient for us. Some people tried to help injured monks. The injuries were quite massive. I felt grieving, angry and sad at that time. Then, I decided to organize the protesters again. So, I went back to the street. The police were still fighting seriously with the group of people. The police were with the guns and other tools. The public got angry and they fought back. They had no special tools at that time. I was again at the riot site and looked for the leader monks. I saw U Gawsita got injured at his head. I saw U Htavara too. But I did not find my student monk. I thought of how I could continue to the demonstrations. It was the time of there had been more monks still coming. I decided to wait for them at Bahan bus stop. When I passed through Bahan 1st street, I saw the English woman again who I met in this morning. She brought me to her friend westerner to be interviewed. He took out his note book to record about what I told. I left one student there for the interview and walked to the bus stop......................................................etc.

From - CHAPTER (13) My friend said I should send them in the morning. I called my colleagues too. I got a message that the Ngwe Kyar Yan and Mo Koke monasteries were invaded and searched by armed men along with a monastery in Yankin Township around 2 or 3am. I was surprised about the rapid and serious reaction of the Junta. I didnt feel safe to stay here any longer and I did not find the monk from Ngwe Kyar Yan who slept here last night. I thought he had left to go somewhere. He was lucky last night along with the other injured monks because they were not at their monastery.......................................................etc. During our conversation, my friend explained to me about the Harry Potter story by pointing to the TV screen. I was amazed and I smiled. I just knew about the name of the movie. And I didnt even know about its author, director and young actors in this film but I really appreciated the author s knowledge and creativity of art. I said something to AM and his wife, If Burma did not exist, would the Harry Potter film have appeared? I had this question while we were watching the Harry Potter film. They told me that this film was the first part of the Harry Potter series. Up to this point I knew nothing about these films. In this part of the film, Harry Potter went to visit a zoo with his adoptive parents. Their biological son always bullied Harry. Harry himself did not know that he possessed great power until he had been to the zoo. He looked at a huge snake kept in a glass cage. This snake made no response to them and fell asleep while his naughty cousin, Dudley, was watching. So the family left to visit another place. Harry Potter talked to the snake through the glass cage. AM pointed out to me what Harry Potter said to the snake. There were subtitles that I read through twice. Harry said to the snake, Are you from Burma (Myanmar)? and the snake listened to him. I thought then that Burma (Myanmar) might attract the Western people now because the name of Burma was used in this world famous movie...................................................................etc.

From - CHAPTER (15) We couldnt organize more public protests. The UN envoy, Mr. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari came into our country, but he could not witness our protests due to the violent and cruel

crackdown of the junta. The strength of the protests had weakened gradually. Yangon became silent eventually, and other towns and districts also became quiet. I did not want to stay all day and night in this monastery anymore, so I thought of visiting my monastery in Bahan Township. I also wanted to access the Internet in downtown. I thought it would be best to call first to confirm that the Internet caf was open and that the Internet was working. I felt it was urgent to leave Yangon, but there were many obstacles. One obstacle was that my university exam was coming soon and I did not want to miss it. But, I knew that I had to leave right away. I urgently wanted to see three people: Aurlie whom I had met and never forgotten, my German friend Mr.L who worked at the NGO, and Pho Phu. If I had a chance, I wanted to go back to my native town for a little while. Luckily, I had an ID with another name with which I could make some magic...................................................................etc.

From - CHAPTER (17) I started to sing a song come on baby, light my fire which Aurlie used to sing. I did not know all of the lyrics. Finally the new lady sang the whole song. I concluded that this song was popular in the west.........................................................................etc.

After that we made a plan to buy some CDs that she wanted. Although I wished to visit Shwedagon Pagoda, it was not possible to go there at that time. We took a taxi and it drove us to Mahasi Meditation center near Shwegonedaing crossroads. The meditational CD available in French, German, Chinese and English would be available there, and I could buy them for her. But, unfortunately, the shop selling CDs was already closed when we arrived. So, we started to go back. At that time, I saw a girl who was a tourist guide for a Korean nun whom I saw in the protest........................................................................etc.

From - CHAPTER (18) A journalist has been here from Germany. Would you allow him to interview you? He asked. Alright, but safety is necessary I replied. Ill arrange it he said. Yeah, you tell me when it is ready. By the way, Ill sleep tonight here I told him. Alright I share my room with you he said. He was not afraid of my visit here because he is from a democratic country! He is a German, so he did not need to fear the government here. He knew well about my actions in the protest. But I found no worries in his eyes. As for me, I felt more secure to spend the night here than other accommodations at this time because I knew the followers of the Myanmar government are afraid of the white people, especially western people. If it is okay with you, come to my other office on (-----). Ill be waiting for you he said. Yeah, Ill come there by taxi I replied. Then, we stopped the conversation. I had a bath. He was busy with his some work. Before going to sleep, he showed some DVD films. We watched them one by one. But for me, I found only one film to be very interesting: The Last King of Scotland. Later, I found out that that movie was a popular one. I felt I had a different view of it. Many people hated the president in the movie, but I liked him. That does not mean that I liked all of his actions. It means that I liked it from a Buddhist philosophy point of view. I liked that the film showed very clearly that the force of sexual desire caused all the problems. I fell asleep after the end of this movie. The

next morning, I went back to the monastery by getting on the bus...............................................etc.

From - CHAPTER (19) No problem, where are we going? Your other office? I asked him. Not mine. The interviewer has been waiting for us at the residence of one of the diplomats from the German embassy he said. I thought that would be rather safe. I had not prepared anything because I thought the interview would just be a conversation. Thats fine. Lets go I said to him.....................................................etc. Soon after that, we arrived at the German diplomats residence. The guard looked in our car and then opened the door. I felt more secure in their compound. Both of us got out of the car, and the German diplomat came out of the house and greeted us. We entered the building. It was very spacious, and it was beautifully furnished with high-priced furniture. Meanwhile I imagined that the officer held an important post.....................................................etc.

He thought that there would be no danger in his car. Foreigners like him, staying in Myanmar for quite some time, used to think that way because Myanmar police and soldiers did not take any action against them. Myanmar police and soldiers had very little knowledge about international relations, and they were always scared to stop a diplomats car even if it ran through a read light. I was aware of his point, but I still asked to ride in the German diplomats car.......................................................etc.

From - CHAPTER (22) Hello Pablo. How was your trip? I greeted Pablo Espiniella who was working at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Bangkok. He came to my private apartment in Mae Sot to interview me..........................................etc.

INDEX Active monk (U Gawsita from Maggin monastery, now in America) AM (secret name of my friend doctor who translated the first version of this novel) Amarapura (a town near Mandalay) Arahata (monk who attained higher level in Buddhism) Ashinpaya (calling a monk politely) Ashinphayatot, (name for calling all monks politely) Aung myay (the place of success) Aung San Suu Kyi (Nobel peace prize winner in 1991) Aung Wae (a Burmese poet who is now in America) Awsahta (name of an ex-monk who is a friend of U Sandawbarsa (a) U Gambira and Japu) Ayay Daw Pon (the revolution)

Bagan net (former online sever of the Burmese government) Bago (a town near Yangon) Bago Kyakhatwaing (name of the monastery) Bahan (name of town near Shwedagon pagoda) Big fat monk (U Naymeinda fled to Thai-Burma border) Black monk (U Htavara who are now in Norway ) Bo Hti (the nickname of a monk who stayed with me in same monastery) Botahtaung pagoda (a famous pagoda in Yangon) Buddhas Kammava(holy Buddhist literature) Chin (name of an ethnic in Burma) David Bakham (English football player ) Daw Naw Aown Hla (a member of NLD party) Dhamasariya (high level of monks education) Dhamayone (the rest house for Buddhist people) Dharma (name of Buddhas literature) DKBA (Democratic Karen Benevolent Army formerly known as Democratic Karen Buddhist Army) Doh-Ah Yae (our duties) Dukoke (special cloth for monks) Group of Daw Naw Aown Hla (the members of NLD party) Holly monk (Aranhata who can help the people by their power) Inlay (a famous lake in Burma) Insein (a name of a town where there is a big jail in Yangon) Japu (nickname of a monk who is a friend of U Sandawbarsa (a) U Gambira) Kabaaye (name of a famous pagoda in Yangon) Kandawgyi (a famous lake in Yangon) Kammava (holy Buddhist literature) Karen (name of an ethnic in Myanmar) Kokkaine (a famous lake in Yangon) KNU (Karen National Union) Kya Khat Waing (a monastery which stood at the side of SPDC during saffron revolution in Bago Township) kyats (name of Myanmar currency) kyaikasan (name of suburb in Yangon) Kyauksataw Thein (name of a holy building in a monastery) Kyaw Thu (famous Burmese actor) Kyeit Khout (a famous pagoda in Sanlyin Township in Burma)

Kyeythone pagoda (a temple near Shwedagon pagoda where I organized the monks during saffron revolution) Ma Hlaing (a sweet Indian snack). Ma-Ha-Na (a) MahaSangha NaYaKa (principal monks in Buddhism in Burma) Mahamyeitmuni (a famous statue of Buddha in Mandalay) Mallamu (name of a famous pagoda in Yangon) Metta Sutta(Buddhist literature for sharing loving-kindness) Mingalar Zay Dhamayone(the rest house which is built by people from Mingalar Market ) Mingala Sutta (Buddhist literature for learning how to live)

Monastive boy (person who are not the monk living in the monastery to give the service to the monks) Mon (name of an ethnic in Myanmar) Mr. L (short name of my German friend in this novel) Mudu Lekkhana ( A hermit had heavy suffering because of sexual relation in the stories of Buddha ) Myanmar (current name of Burma) Myeingyingu sayadaw (a Karen monk who got a lot of respects from DKBA) Nat Chin Naung (ancient poet) Ngaung Shwe (a town near the lake) Nge Kyar Yan monastery (monastery was destroyed by military later) Nibbana(final goal in Buddhism) NLD (National League for Democracy) Ngaung Shwe (a town near the lake) Pali (Buddhist language) Parami (good acts for Buddhist) Pahtana Sutta( Buddhist philosophical literature) Pakokku (a town near Mandalay) Pazundaung (a town in Yangon) Pattaneikkuzana Kan Sang (A ceremony where an agreement is made among all monks to form a rule about bad followers in Buddhism) Pawn Chain (nickname of a monk) Phaya Thone Su (three pagodas town at Thai- Burma border) Pho Phu (name of driver who stays in the monastery) Puhtuootzin (person who are not the pure holly monks) Rahu corner (North West corner on the platform of the pagoda) Rakhine (an ethnic in Burma) San Chaung (a town in Yangon) Sangha (name of monks and novices called together) Sanlyin (name of town near Yangon) Sasana (Buddhas way) Shan(an ethnic in Myanmar) Shwe Nyaung (a town close to Inlay) Shin Upagotta (a statue on the platform of pagoda) Shwedagon (a famous pagoda in Yangon) Sittata (Buddhas name before he became Buddha) Slender monk (U Sandarsiri (a) Payit ,who was arrested after the saffron revolution) SPDC (state peace and development council from or former government) Sule (name of pagoda in Yangon downtown) Swan Ah Shin (association for peoples security) Tha Yettaw( name of a group of the monasteries which situated near Shwedagon pagoda) Tatay (A monks nickname who can speak four languages very well, a colleague of mine, U Sandawbarsa, Japu, Awsahta and Moe Nyein) Tipikadra ( a monk who can recite all Buddhists philosophy from memory ) Toekyaunggalay station (a station between Bago and Yangon) U Agga (a colleague of mine, Japu, Awsahta, Tatay ,Moe Nyein who are in Thailand) U Aung Soe Oo (NLD selected senator in 1990 from Taungoo) U Wi (secret name of monk in this novel) U Gambira (nickname of U Sandawbarsa who was arrested after revolution)

U Gawsita (a monk from Maggin monastery, now in America) U Htavara(a monk who fled to Bangladesh , is in Norway now) U Naymeinda (U Naymeinda fled to Thai-Burma border after saffron revolution) U Pani (Who is not a monk anymore in Myanmar, a colleague of me, U Gambira And Moe Nyein) U Sandarsiri(a) Payit( a monk from Maggin monastery who was arrested after saffron revolution) U Sandawbarsa (other name is U Gambira) USDP (Union Solidarity Development Party) Uzin (the name for calling monks) U Yevata (Ashin Yevata) Vatsantara (name of the king in the story) Victoria (David Beckhams wife) Yangon (name of former capital of Burma) Zarganar (famous Burmese comedian) (-----) (Secret addresses in this novel)

MYANMARMONK or THE ECHO OF 2007 The day 17 of September shall be the foundation of a holy day making a vow to BUDDHA as a father at the foot of SHWE DA GONE monks paying homage to SASANA and humankind.

Day after day continuing, although their slippers ruined with blood of the wounds, encouraged by the smiles of the people and the sounds of the claps, causing the blood boil in our body under sunshine.

The day 24 of September joining hands with the people and the generation of the students cooperating with the country-lovers for the FREEDOM of Myanmar we frightened the military dogs.

The day 26 of September the stage of monks was capsized at the peoples sight on the stairway of eastern platform, blood came down to the ground military ogres were insane

But our Myanmar monk, the proof of non-surrendering will be on the walls of the jail, though the voices come from our throats, dictator and bloody military must fall into the jaws of death by themselves.

Written by ASHIN