Episode #302: We are joined by Jansen Stovicek, a former monk from the Czech Republic who spent many years in Myanmar as Ashin Sarana. He discusses the intersection of Buddhism and Myanmar's challenging political landscape, with a focus on Thabarwa Sayadaw, an influential yet polarizing monk who inspires both deep reverence and strong controversy. (Note that we will refer to Ashin Sarana by his monastic name here, as at the time of the interview, he had not yet disrobed.)

Ashin Sarana notes that Thabarwa Sayadaw has repeatedly made statements that seem both supportive of the military and openly questioning democratic forces, suggesting that the latter lacks emotional maturity and stability—yet he and his supporters insist on his neutrality. This claim is further belied by controversial remarks he has made about the country’s non-Buddhists, which often appear dismissive or at best, ambiguous. These comments minimize the historic and ongoing suffering of the country’s minorities at the hands of the military. Thabarwa’s own statements have created much distance between himself and Myanmar’s democratic movement.

Beyond his political stance, Thabarwa’s skepticism toward economic development and education—which he views as eroding core Buddhist values—has placed him at odds with advocates of modernization. He has expressed concern that development poses a risk to religious devotion, which he sees as fundamental to Burmese identity, and he has spoken in ways that indicate a belief in the military as a force that protects traditional values.

A core theme in Thabarwa’s worldview concerns his definition of “peace.” For him, true peace is not just about the absence of violence; it lies in the presence of unwavering devotion to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. By this logic, a society devoted to these values could be considered “peaceful” despite injustice and violence towards marginalized communities. This perspective has made him a divisive figure, sparking debate about his role in Myanmar’s struggle for freedom and stability, and complicating his public image.

“One thing I need to add," Ashin Sarana says in closing, "is that there is one kind of attachment that arahants [fully enlightened beings] entirely relinquish, and that is attachment to views. And I wonder if the Sayadaw actually has attachment to a view regarding the military.”

Episode #301: “I want to invite everybody to see the Karen people not just as victims, but to experience the real beauty in the culture, the uniqueness, the simplicity.”

These are the words of Saw Sha Kerpaw Wah, a humanitarian from Karen State, Myanmar, who shares his story of displacement, identity, and commitment to his people. Born in 1995 during the fall of Manerplaw, the headquarters of the Karen National Union, his family fled through the jungle, marking the start of their journey as refugees. Sha Kerpaw Wah spent his early childhood in a refugee camp in Thailand, before his family resettled in Norway. There they found safety, but engendered a sense of cultural dissonance. Although warmly welcomed in Norway, and living there for 20 years, Wah always felt a deep spiritual connection to Kawthoolei, the Karen homeland, feeling that it was his "duty" to return and serve his people.

A major turning point in Wah’s life came during his final year of college when he watched a video of Karen indigenous leader, Saw O Moo, inspiring him to leave his studies and fully dedicate himself to humanitarian work. He began making frequent trips back to Kawthoolei, working to support those displaced by Myanmar’s ongoing civil war.

Today, Sha Kerpaw Wah continues to serve the Karen people, advocating for education, self-reliance, and a united leadership among Karen leaders. His ultimate dream is to see a peaceful, independent Kawthoolei where future generations can grow up free from the violence and trauma that have shaped his life.

Episode #300: Three panelists explore the complexities of Myanmar’s revolution against military oppression, diving into its tactical, logistical, and humanitarian challenges. Our guests include Anthony Davis, a security analyst with extensive experience in conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Philippines; Azad, an internationalist from the United States who spent nearly a year working with resistance groups in Chin State and has prior experience in northeastern Syria; and Marc LeQuieu, a field strategist with broad expertise across Africa and Asia, who has provided tactical and logistical guidance to Myanmar’s resistance since the early days of the conflict.

They discuss the grassroots origins of the resistance, born from peaceful protests and evolving into armed defiance against the junta. This transformation brought early struggles with mistrust between ethnic armed organizations and newly formed People’s Defense Forces, stemming from decades of ethnic tension. Despite these divisions, the resistance grows stronger through strategic adaptation and grassroots unity.

The panelists then highlights the significant obstacles Myanmar’s revolution faces, including a lack of external support from neighboring countries and global powers, forcing the movement to rely on domestic efforts. They examine the logistical challenges of sustaining the fight, from resource shortages to the high cost of essential equipment like ammunition. Yet, technological advancements, such as encrypted communication and drones, have bolstered resistance capabilities, showcasing innovation in the face of adversity. Ethnic divides remain a critical issue, complicating unity among resistance groups. Some progress has been made through alliances in regions like Chin State, yet mistrust and competing interests still hinder broader cohesion.

Beyond strategy, the panel delves into the profound humanitarian crisis. Millions of civilians endure displacement and deprivation, placing immense strain on the resistance. Yet despite these challenges, Myanmar’s revolutionary spirit remains unbroken. The panelists stress the need for trust-building, improved coordination, and a vision for federalism to sustain the movement and shape a post-conflict Myanmar. Ultimately, the revolution is fueled by resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to liberation in the face of overwhelming odds.