What is "angry monk syndrome"? John Whalen-Bridge, co-editor of a series of books on Buddhism, coined the phrase to refer to the growing political activism of Asia's Buddhist monks. In an article published in Himal Southasian, Whalen-Bridge writes that to most people Buddhist monks represent detachment and other-worldly spiritual values. Yet angry monk syndrome (AMS) is on the rise.

"The period from mid-2007 to mid-2008 has, however, been marked by numerous outbreaks of AMS," Whalen Bridge writes. Last September, monks in Burma (Myanmar) protested government policies. This past March, monks in Tibet led anti-government demonstrations. Recently, South Korean monks protested importing beef from the U.S. because of a concern over "mad cow" disease. Monks of Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam also are engaging in political and social activism.

There actually is a long tradition of social engagement on the part of Buddhist monks. Indeed, in most traditions the ideal is the enlightened master who returns to the world to benefit others. But Whalen-Bridge notes that in no time in the past have so many monks seemed so angry. Engaged Buddhism or enraged Buddhism?

See also "Asia's Angry Monk Syndrome" by Megawati Wijaya in Asia Times.

The wildfires threatening Tassajara Zen Mountain Center near Big Sur, California, moved no closer to the monastery on Friday and Saturday. However, the blogger of Sitting With Fire reported last night that the fire is more active now. The weather is getting hotter and windier.

[Update: Just posted on the Los Angeles Times web site:

Fire officials said the Basin Complex fire, near Big Sur, was pressing against containment lines in the south, and in the east was moving toward the narrow gravel road that leads to the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, where a group of monks remained behind to fight the flames.

I will update the blog if there are more developments today.]

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