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THE BUDDHISM INFLUENCE IN MYANMAR
The Buddhism made major contributions in the development of Burmese politics. Burmese nationalism first began with the the formation of the Young Men's Buddhist Associations (YMBA) - modelled after the YMCA - which started to appear all over the country. Civilian governments, after the country gained independence, patronised Buddhism donating large sums to fund the upkeeping and building of Buddhist monuments. IN addition, leaders of political parties and parliamentarians, in particular U Nu, passed Buddhist influenced legislations. He declared Buddhism the state religion which isolated minority groups, especially Kachin. This added yet another group to the growing number of ethnic insurgencies. The present military government are such patrons of Buddhism that it has become a joke- "Burmese TV has only two colours, green and yellow" - describing the military green uniforms and monk's yellow robes or golden pagodas which cover the screen.
The Shwe Dagon has been a local venue for large meetings where both Aung San and his daughter Aung San Suu Kyihad made their famous speeches. The second university strike in history of 1936 was also held at that location. Aung San Suu Kyi, returned from London to lead the National League for Democracy but was placed under house arrest in 1989. However, since she is a devote BUddhist and politicial, she is considered a socially engaged Buddhist.
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