Deep in the heart of Texas, where Bob Wills is still the king, nestled in the lush rolling green hills on the outskirts of Austin Texas at the Sitagu Buddhist Vihara, a pagoda is coming to life. On lone from Myanmar and the US, trained in the ancient art of Pagoda building, a hand full of craftsmen is building a replica of the original Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan. And it’s a labor of love.

The original Shwezigon Pagoda, or Paya in Bagan Myanmar, began construction in the reign of King Anawrahta and was completed in King Kyansittha’s rule during the Pagan Dynasty in 1102 AD. The magnificence of the architecture, sculptures and art has stood the test of time and continues to retain its grandeur. Buddhists far and wide continue to make the pilgrimage to this hallowed site as well as tourists who are fortunate enough to make the journey to Bagan. The Shwezigon Pagoda is a testament to the architectural achievements of the ancients and the sight of the Pagoda is truly breathtaking. Now, in its entire splendor, The Shwezigon Pagoda is being reborn in an epic construction project in the great state of Texas..

With expressed permission from the Venerable Ashin Ariyadhamma I was afforded the opportunity to explore this historic construction project. I also met with world renowned ancient architect U Win Maung, his son and the crew of craftsmen who are undertaking this architectural and artistic challenge. Though Maung could not bring all the craftsmen normally needed for such a build, undaunted he moved forward with a much smaller crew. Ironically the biggest obstacle was dealing with western building theorem and materials. Fortunately they overcame this issue and all that remained was duplicating the original Shwezigon Pagoda. Interesting part is the fact this pagoda is being reconstructed 1/3^rd scale of the original in every fascinating and intricate detail. With the back drop of the pagoda the Sitagu Monastery appears to be in Myanmar, even the scent of ngapi wafts in the air.

Take a long hard look at the original Shwezigon Pagoda and you will notice the structure is covered in sculptures, shrines and elaborate tiles. Absolutely every aspect of the original pagoda is being painstakingly replicated just as the ancient artisans did back in 1102. The rich blend of Indian and Burmese architectural prowess is evident. This epic project is being sponsored by philanthropists from both Myanmar and the US but what really impressed me is the fact these artisans are working simply for the love of Buddhism and the people who would eventually use this structure. By western standards this project would cost millions of dollars just for the elaborate art work these craftsmen are producing on a daily basis.

This is truly a labor of love on a scale I rarely see and I was very impressed by the humility this group of master craftsmen exuded. In the spirit of true giving they left their beloved Myanmar and families so they could build this pagoda. There were a couple craftsmen from the US and they left careers and their families for this project also. We could learn more about true selfless giving from these noblemen from South Asia for they are a rare breed in this modern era. Fortunately I did take some video and did a few interviews but I still could not capture the totality of this build. From minute figurines to full blown Buddha statues and shrines, everything is being hand crafted exactly like the original Shwezigon Pagoda. It should also be noted the monastery is also expanding its meditation center with new bungalows for both the monks and visitors. A hall and library will also grace this meditation center along with other out buildings and a reflection pond.

There is no question I will be back to note the progress and do more interviews with the crew since I did not get them all interviewed on this visit. On a side bar; I did get the opportunity to visit with renowned artist *Sitt Nyein Aye and did a short story and video with him. But there is much to tell about this artist and it is clear I will need to spend more than just one day with him in the future. After all, he did introduce modern art to Burma in spite of disdain from the socialist regime. I’ve only skimmed the surface of this complex and talented individual and after reviewing his paintings I have many more questions to ask. And I know he has much more to tell as well.

But in the meantime I’ve included 4 short videos for your viewing pleasure. Granted two are in Burmese but they do show some of the art being produced at the Sitagu Buddhist Vihara in Austin Texas. The Venerable Ashin Cintita was also kind enough to give me an interview and he shed more light on this build. I will be back for on update on the construction and there is no doubt I will be there when the project is completed. I might even spend some time at the meditation center in an effort to get a handle on my Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It would be nice to find peace of mind once in a while and the setting of the meditation center is really quite tranquil even with the construction. I can only imagine how it will be whence it is completed.

Ashin Ariyadhamma Discusses Pagoda Project (English)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8yDmr8IIQM&feature=plcp

Ashin Cintita Discusses Progress in More Detail (English)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6i25d_5B50&feature=plcp

Sitt Nyein Aye, Art & Journey to the Shwezigon Pagoda Project (Burmese)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i_6u5ybp3g&feature=plcp

* Sitt Article; http://bgi.buffalohair-jage.com/archives/1254/

Myanmar’s U Win Maung Views on Shwezigon Pagoda Replica (Burmese)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_Un0qjGrqo&feature=plcp

For more information;

Sitagu Buddhist Vihara

Ashin Ariyadhamma

9002 Honeycomb dr.

Austin,Texas,78737USA

Ph:   512 301 3968

Email: aariyadhamma@gmail.com

Your Devil’s Advocate

Buffalohair

© 2012, Buffalohair Productions. All rights reserved.

This last month took me to several Buddhist monasteries. One in particular was the *Lien Hoa Buddhist Temple and Monastery in Irving Texas who hosted ‘Thingyan’ for the Burmese community. The event was lead by the Venerable Silar Nanda who presided over the activities, known as the water festival or New Years Celebration. And it was quite an event indeed.

I could not attend all the Thingyan celebrations I was invited to but I am truly glad I made this event. It did not matter from what quarter one resided within the Burmese community smiles and the feeling of joy was universal. Though I was filming the event I did manage to enjoy the traditional foods of Burma and that was a tasty treat to behold. They put on the feed bag Texas Style. Guess you could say the food earned a 5 star rating since there was a variety of ethnic classics to dine on and dine I did.

Nothing like a good ole Buddhist gathering to lift ones spirits and this gathering was no exception. I was there early and you could feel the energy in the air as people began to arrive and it was very heartening to note that everyone pitched in. What I truly enjoyed was watching the kids as they played sang and danced the day away. The entertainment was more a journey of cultural diversity as traditional Thingyan songs were sung from a variety of ethnic groups that attended. It was a culturally enriching celebration and all performances were great. Knowing the suffering these refugees endured before coming  to America it was heart rendering to see them all smiling, laughing and enjoying the celebration, deep in the heart of Texas. Yee Haw!

As I watched the event I could not help but notice the care that was given for every detail in costume and performance by even the youngest kids who danced their tribal dances. I was entranced by the exotic movements of the performers, the precision movements of their arms, legs and hands. The grace and elegance added to the allure of their traditional dance. Then a group of Rakhine men came on stage to perform their Thingyan dance. Dressed in their traditional regalia they literally were show stoppers with their robust Rakhine songs and dance. What stamina, their sets lasted over 10 minutes a piece! These guys rocked big time and I found myself singing along with them as they mesmerized their audience with this energized performance.

Outside of the temple was joyous and full of laughter as the water festival played out in true Thingyan style. Everyone got into the act as water cannons, squirt bottles and anything that would hold water ushered in the New Year while offering good will for the future. There was a unique ride of sorts at this event I found quite entertaining and that was **‘Paul’s Gyrogym’. The Gyrogym was originally use by NASA to train astronauts and basically this device spun you every way from up and down to sideways, sort of like simulating a space capsule tumbling in space. This gyrogym was an awesome addition to the Thingyan Celebration. It would appear all these kids were made of the right stuff because they loved this futuristic relic of the Space Program and no one lost their lunch. And there was Paul with his Viking Helmet with those horns spinning the kids around. All I saw were plenty of smiles and maybe a glimpse of a future Burmese Astronaut.

After looking into this device it would appear there are some major health benefits to all this spinning around. If you never saw one it would be worth checking out for fun or health reasons. Hmm, that was some shameless promotion eh. In any event this Thingyan Celebration was a great success and a wonderful time for everyone within the Burmese community to sing and laugh together. It was a privilege to be a part of this festival and to share in the merriment and I’ll definitely come back next year. Did I mention that the food was excellent? Well it was and I do love the variety of ethnic foods this event had to offer. This event was truly a taste of Burma in more ways than one and the Venerable Silar Nanda served his community well.

*Lien Hoa Buddhist Monastery & Temple

  http://mettajon.tripod.com/lienhoamain.html

** paulsgyrogym@aol.com Irving,Texas

Your Devil’s Advocate

Buffalohair

© 2012, Buffalohair Productions. All rights reserved.

Sometimes it gets to be a real drag donning a bio suite at the sight of every chem-trail. There has to be more to life other than waiting perilously for humanity to be destroyed. Yeah we are about to head into the next Ice Age and technology is about to take a dump. Politics, forget about it, we are all screwed. But there is no reason to freak out now, so we might as well make the most of it.

There are plenty of things to do while waiting for some cataclysm to wipe humanity off the face of the earth. I go camping for the sake of it, not to survive, just to enjoy the outdoors. What a fun weekend outing that would be if I camped just for survivals sake;

“OK Joey, the scenario is; your guts are all hanging out because a meteor just cut the house in half. Your baby sister will stitch you up with fishing line and pretend we are being bombarded with cosmic rays so put on your aluminum cap. I’ll be the sniper that shoots mommy”, oh boy. Take a chill pill eh.

It’s hard to commune with nature or smell the subtle sent of pine and pinion when you’re on tactical alert, just the wafting fragrance of DEET, sweat and gun oil, how special. Be happy you’re camping with friends and family, gads. Don’t worry; the bad times are coming soon enough. One day you might not have the luxury of relaxing during an ‘extended bivouac’ in the future. And you can’t let our reality overwhelm you with fear either.

Maybe it’s all about attitude since I see people going off the deep end preparedness wise as prophecies come to pass. It’s good to keep an eye on news and be prepared for emergencies but it’s not good to dwell on them. Preparedness should not include paranoia in the doctrine of survival. Paranoia breeds fear and fear is the contrivance of evil. Surely you have absolute faith within your respective dogma or ideological principle. It’s that faith thing that gets people screwed up all the time it seems. It does not matter what one believes or ideological principle they espouse, ‘absolute faith’ is the core tenet of all dogmatic ideologies. Without it, you have nothing and the only person you are fooling is yourself.

With absolute faith I enjoy life as I see fit, going on about my business and could give a flying crappola about the ‘time of change’, within reason. When it gets here I will act accordingly but I’m not going to worry and snivel about it every waking minute of my life, screw that. I had visions about it when I was a poop-butt kid before I knew what a vision was so give me a break. The time of change is here as prescribed within your dogma or whatever floats your canoe so get over it since it’s not a surprise.

My spiritual connection is a strong one but like everyone else, I have to cope with those pinheads of evil who toss stuff in my path, all the time. Though their words are ‘smack’ I still have to endure their rambling threats and dumb-ass ideas. So vigilance is a virtue as well as faith but not paranoia. Within my ancient belief system I’ve witnessed many so-called miracles along with a butt-load of good and bad spirits. It was with blind faith I held my ground against some wicked and buck ugly spirits, granted it did give me a slight case of the poopies. After all, it was the first time I stood up against these bad spirits and it was absolute faith that fortified my resolve and ultimately defeated them. If not, you would have read about me and my pet chainsaw, Lester.

You can’t be a prisoner of fear regardless of what is going on around you and the world. You can’t take care of biz if you’re running around like a chicken with the head chopped off. With fear in your heart the battle is already lost since all a bad spirit has to do is say “Boo!” and you’ll crap your shorts or bake your kids. Within all doctrines the key to surviving the times we live is already mapped out and if you actually read your sacred book and paid attention you would not worry and be so paranoid. Faith is the key word boys and girls for without it you have nothing no matter how much money you put in the offering plate. Material wealth is meaningless in the grand scheme of things and will not garner the absolute faith required to survive the days that lay ahead. Fear is not a part of the equation with regard to survival.

OK, so now you actually have absolute faith within your belief system. What should you do while waiting for the time of change? Anything you like, well except for bad stuff. As we all know man spends more time justifying bad conduct with the excuse of some ‘greater good’ (ca-ching$) so don’t be a schmuck. Do something cool while waiting for the end of the world to strike your neck of the woods like jet skiing, riding horses or salmon fishing along the Sutsitna River. I like the woods and fishing as well as nightlife and fine dining so my answer is a bit bi-polar. Travel is always on my agenda and I like cultural events. In other words, there is plenty of stuff one can do while waiting around for Armageddon or what ever. So don’t be a prisoner of fear or it may consume you, oh Yee of little faith.

Your Devil’s Advocate
Buffalohair

© 2012, Buffalohair Productions. All rights reserved.

While visiting Sitagu Buddhist Vihara I had the opportunity to meet renowned Burmese artist Sitt Nyein Aye. He, in spite of insurmountable odds introduced modern art to Burma to the chagrin of the socialist regime. His ardor is expressed in every brush stroke on all of his works. The blinding incandescence within Sitt’s soul is also reflective of his duality for he loves Burma and her people in parity and intensity with his art. So I find myself in a quandary; is Sitt a revolutionary artist or is he an artist who is a revolutionary?

Born of humble origins in the early days of Burma’s independance at Nyaung Oo Township in the Mandalay district a few kilometers from the ancient Kingdom of Pagan, he eventually graduated with honors from Pantara Art School in Mandalay. Influences from magnificent architectures and sculpted masterpieces by artisans from Burma’s illustrious past nurtured his artistic prowess. The ancients were his first teachers and Sitt was destined to walk in their footsteps.

Walking in close parallel with art Sitt is also an advocate for democracy and positive change within Burma. His participation is legendary within many pro democracy circles. During the dark days after the student uprising of 1988 he moved to India where he continued to fight for Burma’s democracy founding one publication (Galon Ni) and writing for another (Pan Sakar), both of which he provided in-depth stories, art work and poetry. In the process he was also enriched by India’s art and architecture. These influences nurtured his already robust and unique talent to yet another plateau of excellence over the next 20 years while he lived in New Deli.

During his tenure in India he continued to gain popularity in many art circles for his unique and dynamic modern art style. His name became synonymous with the term ‘Modern Art’ and his paintings are highly prized by collectors around the world to this day. His works fetched a king’s ransom as his popularity grew in the art world. Though Sitt could have lived in the lap of luxury from the revenue he generated from his talents he chose to donate most of his profits to pro democracy organizations in Asia and the world.

From the Kachin, Karen to the Rakhine and other ethnic groups Sitt gave his all in an effort to ease their suffering and to let them know they are not forgotten. Organizations such as the ABSDF, ABSL, NLD and the monks from the Saffron Revolution were beneficiaries and the only regrets Sitt had was the fact he could not give more. Sitt dedicated his time and talent to his people and the cause for democracy making him one of Burma’s true heroes and champions of democracy. I was in awe of his accomplishments and the sacrifices he made for his people over the years and his paintings resonates the true passion that resides within Sitt’s very being.

After visiting with Sitt I reviewed some of his works and found a treasure trove. His ability to capture life with all the dynamics of the moment told stories of everyday living from ancient times to the tumultuous times of today. I was entranced by the finite details of ancient battles and the paintings came to life, animated and very alive. The scenes of joy and the scenes of sorrow also touched my spirit as his depictions penetrated my senses as I felt his passion in every stroke of his brush. It is not hard to see why he is a living legend within the art world but it is also not hard to see why he is a legend in the pro democracy movement in Burma.

Though his journey to America has taken him away from his art for a brief time as he went through the motions of immigrating he is back, artistically speaking. One day Sitt had the opportunity to meet with famed Burmese Temple Builder, Ancient  Architect Sayagyi U Win Maung. Now he is offering his artistic prowess to the *Sitagu Buddhist Vihara in Austin Texas. The Sitagu Buddhist Vihara is the site of an epic construction project where the east meets the west on many levels. The Shwezigon Pagoda in Burma is being duplicated at 1/3 scale along with the construction of a new meditation center and monks quarters. And there is a hand full of craftsmen skilled in ancient temple building, sculpting and engineering from Burma who are working there simply for the love of their Buddhist faith and the people this place will serve in the future. Sitt is in good company.

Now that Sitt is in America he has some very great plans that should scintillate the art world here in Texas and the USA. His dream is to open up an art school for both Burmese and non Burmese artisans who care to learn from this legendary and accomplished artist. There is no question as word leaks out about Sitt and his artistic prowess he will soon be in demand from the multitude of art communities that dot the landscape. I doubt Sitt will ever change his demeanor no matter how popular he becomes in America for he was always humble even in New Deli where he took the art world by storm. Forever faithful to his Buddhist religion he will continue to support his people and the cause of democracy in Burma. Fame will never change Sit Nyein Aye but maybe he will change the perception of what fame should really mean and what it can foster, for others.

* For more information on the Sitagu Buddhist Vihara:

Ashin Ariyadhamma

Sitagu Buddhist Vihara

9001 Honeycomb dr,

Austin,Texas,USA

78737

Your Devil’s Advocate

Buffalohair

© 2012, Buffalohair Productions. All rights reserved.

© 2012, Buffalohair Productions. All rights reserved.

From all corners of the planet change is upon us. Prophecies are coming to pass on such a grand scale it is no longer a question of IF change will come but where these changes will fester next. From the physical plane to the spiritual one, all of humanity is under siege and like a prophetic ancient writing cautioned; “Those days will come like a thief in the night”. Hmm, do you hear someone rummaging through your underwear drawer?

Some people aware of this change are just terrified to pieces about the ground cracking open plunging them into the molten earth’s core. It does not take rocket science to realize it is not the end of the world but simply the end of a cycle. People should hold their milk and pay attention rather than freak out pee all over themselves. Ancestors from all cultures gave ample warning to their descendants about the times we live so it should be of no surprise. Dogmas and ideological principles far and wide described events and how to survive them for millennia’s. You would think after eons of common daily knowledge of the supernatural we would have a clue how to act in the 21^st century. It is not the end of the world and humanity by any means. Did I say humanity? Humanity is just an inconvenient and archaic ideology with no place in our pseudo civil society. Is that to harsh?

Though some folks are addressing the physical aspects of change all too many people are not addressing the intangible facets of change. Call it the paranormal, supernatural or spiritual but this side of change is already counting coup on mankind no matter what you call it. Spirits from all dogmas both good and bad did not simply disappear whence we entered this modern technological age; they are major players as we speak. With little or no regard for the paranormal earthlings are going off the deep end in all quarters of this primitive society, influenced by voices in their pointed little heads. Whether voices come from bonehead space dudes, spirit entities or the guidance from a shiny orb named Dan they like to pull your chain and press those buttons. “Peel the skin off that herp second shift supervisor, you can do it”. I think that’s against the law. I’d tell the voice to get screwed and do it himself if he was such a ‘Barney Bad Ass’. Just don’t let anyone see you chatting away, all alone in a vacant parking lot or something. It will be The Lithium Lane Rubber Room for you. Telepathy is the ticket. And don’t wave your arms around in the air either, gads.

Those pesky little voices urge folks to kill their families, friends and anyone else, just because you can. Guess they tell you to do other rotten stuff to do with people who just piss you the right the f— off! But that’s all that comes to mind, hmm. Take another Prozac pop another miracle pill and it will all go away but eventually the voices do return with a vengeance. Spirits from evil are the culprits in most cases where voices are involved. There is no real concern for spirits or their influence so we think these evil thoughts are our own. Well, maybe not all of them anyway. People consider the concept of spirits poppycock and are prime targets for naughty spirits who coerce them to do just about anything. We all deal with all these chatty goons everyday but not to extremes, for the most part but that statistic is changing.

How can anyone proclaim they believe the doctrines of their dogma if they do not accept the fact spirits exist? Surely they read tales about spirits and their influences on man. Where would Moses be if he did not speak to a good spirit, Egypt? You can’t have it both ways homeboy/girl. Either you realize spirits exist within your dogma and tradition or you walk in oblivion and are like a babe in the woods in the grand scheme of things. You can be born again, meditate or sacrifice a goat on a bitchen altar a dude from the Islands made you. But you will be wasting your time if it’s not real. That part is up to you mon. Just remember; your fate is in your hands alone. No pressure here.

You must walk your talk not just ramble scriptures or sacred texts to wow your friend and impress Rabbi Schwartzmann. The only person you are fooling is yourself and bad spirits will be cheering you on all the way to your destruction. At least you’ll have a fan club. Just think, If you commit a juicy act of butchery that makes the front page of The New York Times you’ll have your 15 minutes of fame so I guess it all works out. If there is a transit strike, forget about it because you’ll be lucky if you make a sidebar on the back page. Timing is everything, err does that apply here? But I doubt you’ll get a reality show out of the deal. You would have to be on after Jimmy Fallon anyway. I’ll go off the deep end if networks screw wth the late night line up again. Then again you might find a home in commercial advertising endorsing GMO Franken-Food, Zyklon B. or Agent Orange garden supplies on one of those spam TV channels no one watches unless you forgot to pay the cable.

How many more blood spattered news stories where a person hacks their kids to pieces or other egregious crimes must be committed before we realize spirits are actually to blame? Good religious people with no criminal or psychosis issues are cracking up and coming loose at the seams because voices drove them over the edge. Spiritually unprepared people from all walks of life are going bananas and this is only the beginning. Take a long hard look at the world. It should be as plain as the nose on your face we are spinning out of control mentally and morally. And yes, this is part of prophecy and a major sign of the times we live. Oh well, ‘when you snooze you loose’ and society is asleep at the wheel or simply chooses to ignore the obvious. How far beyond stupid is that?

Like it or not people from all walks of life and education levels are putty in the hands of spirits who declared war on humanity. Sounds far fetched? Well if you actually paid attention to your respective dogma you would know the spirit world is alive and well and this assault on humanity is a part of religious teachings and prophecy. Though we face turbulent times on a physical level it is the spiritual level that will ultimately strike a fatal blow to the unaware no matter how much survival gear they posses. You don’t have to be a native, psychic or visionary to see and hear spirit. Ask the guy who just ate someone’s liver because a voice in his pea brain thought it would be a wonderful culinary adventure. I would hope onions came with that order, that’s if you like liver of course. The spirit world is interfacing on this plain of existence with a vengeance these days. Granted, spirits have been around since time immemorial. Now modern man is blind as a bat to this part of our reality and with fatal consequences. If people practiced what they preached none of this would be an issue since all dogmas warn of evil spirits, or did you miss that part. Umm, I think it’s on page one.

I don’t really worry about tornados, earthquakes or meteor smashing into the earth as much as the consequences from the spirit world. “Who is going to crack up next?” is more my concern. What if a butcher decides to cut costs and uses wino meat or something? “Why does my pork chop smell like cheap Chianti?” Random acts of insanity and violence are on the rise and not from small time crooks and professional bad guys like we conveniently choose to believe. They work for cash not for shear pleasure or impulse. It’s strictly business, nothing personal paisan, capice? An airline pilot lost his mind in-flight and fortunately he did not plunge the jet into a nosedive before he went bonkers. A nurse whacked a mom and took her new born child? The list continues to grow as mindless mayhem spreads throughout a sickened society. Who in a position of trust will be next to loose their mind? They are the prime targets of evil spirits if they don’t have a handle on the spirit world. Many people are already walking a fine line and admit they are loosing their grip on sanity. Expect anything and you will still be surprised.

Gads, flight attendants are loosing their sanity all the time these days and it’s only a matter of time before this phenomena gleans fatal results. The point being, it’s not just the average schmoe who is privy to evil entities but people from all quarters of society and some like it and like it a lot. Awareness of the spirit world by everyone is not in the best interests of some exclusive elitists groups who horde this truth in a veil of secrecy. If everyone embraced a relationship with the spirit world they would know good spirits from bad and truth from lies. There are no secrets within the confines of the spirit world and man’s indiscretions are known to all, like farting in an elevator with only one other person onboard.  

If you paid attention to your sacred texts you would be aware we entered the era of false prophet and we are getting primed for that revelation. I will probably be eating fry-bread and watching early SG-1 reruns with my brother when that day comes but I might tune in during commercials, indeed. My advice to you is; don’t get stupid if some spaz-ship lands in your medical marijuana garden proclaiming they are your G*D because that is just pure bat guano. Screw those so called benevolent space dudes who act like they are ‘all that’. The same goes with spirits rummaging around in your thick skull talking smack. Don’t let your fear influence you to pay homage to some entity that floats through your garage door or gives free colonoscopies either. I don’t know about you but my G*D does not need an iron Frisbee to buzz around the universe and his chums don’t play grab ass either.

But if you truly had a spiritual connection you would already know the score and this would be yesterdays news in todays cat box.. There are good entities that are poised to expose these charlatans of deception and give you a hand if you are listening. It’s written within the pages of your dogma or what ever floats your spiritual canoe. Just so you know, there is a happy ending but it will be a while since we only began the downward spiral. The trick to survival lays within your personal spiritual connection. One more thing, no matter how you believe you MUST have absolute faith in the doctrine you purport to embrace. It’s not the end of the world but the beginning of a new cycle. The long and the short of it is; if you have a true spiritual relationship within your dogma no voice will convince you to do something stupid, especially during this time of change. Maybe if you pay more attention to your sacred books you just might survive.   

Your Devil’s Advocate

Buffalohair

© 2012, Buffalohair Productions. All rights reserved.

I like the Durian,’The King of Fruit’ (Durio zibethinus), a South Asian fruit that resembles a dinosaur scrotum and possesses a pungently feculent aromaticity western nostrils find morbidly undesirable. Hmm, or was that Triassic ployaromatic genitalia? Granted, I was not a great fan of this revered Asian delicacy and never thought I would be, my how times change. Fortunately this is no longer the case and the mere mention of this fruit stirs my olfactory and taste buds in anticipation of this delicious treat with a pudding like velvety smooth texture.

To some Asians the smell of Dr. Pepper sends them reeling since the smell is similar to that of a parasitic insect or type of bed bug found in the jungles of Asia. They would get sick to their stomach when someone popped open a can of Pepper in close proximity of their noses. InSouth America some indigenous tribes get horrified and repulsed if someone offers them an egg for consumption because of its connotation to semen and egg in the whole reproductive process. Maybe I should have offered that tribesmen chocolates and play some Dean Martin mood music with breakfast. “Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu”

Kimchee is a ‘living’ food some people finds to be profoundly repugnant. The fact it’s fermenting or rotting right before their very eyes sends them over the edge with dry heaves, oh well more for me eh. But look at the recipe for sour dough bread and you will discover it’s made with that smelly brown fluid found in rotten milk. Tripe or menudo as well as intestines are another fringe food group that carries a stigma people must overcome. Eating food that once carried waste matter is not exactly appetizing no matter what wine you serve. I think red wine is appropriate though. Modelo is served in some circles. But toss in some hominy, chili, garlic and onions with a dash of cilantro and salt then you have an age old cure for the common hangover. And everyone loved sausage. I like all that squiggly stuff anyway so I don’t need an excuse to chow down on these victual of the G*D’s. Grubs roasted with chili and a pinch of salt is food erotica, mmmmmm.

What do you get when you slowly squeeze a drum of decaying fish? Answer; a delicious yet pungent fish sauce called Nouc Mam. Basically it’s the rendered fluid from a pile of rotting fish but it’s a staple in many Asian foods since it adds that special flavor only rotten or fermented fish can offer. Used as a dipping sauce mixed with lemon, spices or straight out of the bottle it totally rocks but don’t waste your time sniffing the open container if you’re faint of heart. For some people this would register an 8 on their stink-o-meter but for me it’s a delicious tangy treat that makes even a leaf of lettuce taste like a meal fit for a king/queen. So it smells, umm, different but this product is processed in a sanitary environment so the fermenting or controlled rotting process is free of dangerous bacteria. I prefer the older more classic unregulated nouc mam with all the floaters though. And there are a zillion Asians who would agree with me.

Ngapi or shrimp paste is yet another fermented taste treat when prepared in its rawest form and conjures visions of a backed up septic tank for neophyte nostrils. Again, many Asian delicacies use ngapi for the wonderful flavor it gives the meal. Once the coconut milk  as well as tarimind and various spices are added you are on your way to a truly Asian delight. I like ngapi in various forms including straight. I mix it with rice or other delectable Asian cuisine. When I smell ngapi I know something is cooking and I know it’s going to be good. I love traditional Asian food.

There are many other foods and condiments that have questionable origins and their pungent aromatic fragrance may offend western nostrils. But when you learn the history behind any of these foods you come to realize they were also a very real part of survival since many cultures do not use the ole refrigerator. Sushi rice uses special vinegar to simulate the fish rot since rice was used to preserve fish for sailors at sea and households. Only after being lost at sea or famine and starvation occurred did people start to eat the rice that was meant for preserving the fish. Under normal conditions the rice was always discarded but starvation made it a food group or many more people would have died. Though sushi is the rave of many westerners it is also a humble reminder to many Asians of a time when food was scarce and times were hard.

It would behoove food safety inspectors to learn more about culturally diverse foods and the ingredients before they inspected kitchens because you can’t judge the safety of foods by smell alone. That would be a travesty since there are many prepared food ingredients and condiments that simply look bad or smell like flatulent Uncle Yeshaya from Yonkers. All cultures have comfort foods that do not meet the criteria of other cultures and smell is one of them. But there are issues within the food industry that do need to be addressed especially now that times are not so good. People are more hard pressed to stretch that dollar and it’s not only in the Asian restaurant industry. In my case my system is so polluted I probably would not know the difference anyway. Well, if you will excuse me, I smell Durian (pictured above) and it has my name on it eh.

Your Devil’s Advocate

Buffalohair

© 2012, Buffalohair Productions. All rights reserved.

After living and working within the Burmese community, visiting temples and celebrating Thingyan I found myself in an interesting position. The issue of Senator Jim Webb’s visit to Burma came into focus and though I disagreed with the lifting of sanctions I also found myself defending the senator from angry some expatriates from Burma. What will this do to my image? They were more saddened and felt betrayed after learning about his latest trip and listening to his speech about rewarding the regime and frankly my boxers were in a knot as well.

Though the good senator and I do not see eye to eye on the sanctions issue that does not mean I hate the guy for he is truly an iconic American hero who proved his mettle as a Marine in the jungles of Vietnam. With a Navy Cross, Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars and 2 Purple hearts he has more than proven his courage and valor in the heat of combat and earned his place in American politics. In fact, if he were in contention for the Oval Office he would have my vote hands down for he is a true America hero who spilled his blood in the defense of his fellow countrymen. Prior military service should be a prerequisite for commander and chief anyway. But that’s another story.

In researching his record I found a man who has served his nation in many capacities and spent a lifetime in the service of the less fortunate. Senator Webb is a cut above other higher profile senators and congressmen who’ve used their positions to commit criminally abhorrent activities in recent years. Some of his colleagues deserve the Benedict Arnold Award for their conduct while in office. Such is not the case for Sen. Webb but alas there is a bug in the ointment when it comes to the sanction issue in Burma. In all reality the issue of sanctions in Burma is a two pronged sword writhe with contradictions, misinformation, fear and distrust.

On one hand it is said sanctions have worked since they did force the junta’s hand in offering change. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy were allowed to participate in the recent bi-election winning 43 of the 44 seats in Parliament. President Thein Sein has become the face of reform and the people of Burma have begun to see and experience some of these changes. Movement within Burma has eased as the government struggles to meet the demands needed to have sanctions lifted.

On the other hand lifting sanctions would give the general population of Burma opportunities and a chance to prosper once again. It was well noted by friends who commute to Burma that only the average citizen bore the brunt of sanctions. The junta was well financed part and parcel by international corporations who never ceased operations in spite of sanctions imposed by the United Nations. In essence the sanctions were a failure from this perspective.

Asian politics can not be addressed simply from two sides. Much like Hindu Goddess Durga with many arms there are more hands or sides to consider in this equation. On yet another hand there are over 900 political prisoners still held in prisons around Burma who have yet to see daylight. The fact drug dealers and murderers were given amnesty over political prisoners is still a very real point of contention. Though the Karen signed a ‘landmark’ ceasefire this is not the first landmark ceasefire the Karen signed in the last year. According to many Karen I’ve spoken to they simply ask why this ceasefire is any different than the others the junta violated. People still receive word from home about atrocities being committed by Burmese soldiers and the ink is still not dry on the latest agreement.

Another issue is the contention the 2008 Constitutional Referendum was a clear violation of the constitution in the first place. The ballot initiative was marred by wholesale fraud, intimidation and death. But it did pave the way for the election of 2010 once it was ratified. The fact the constitution gave the minority military parliament member’s the final say regardless of majority votes further called into question the validity of reform. The fiasco with America bonehead John William Yethaw who allegedly swam Inya Lake to Suu Kyi’s abode near election time caused her to be conveniently ousted from contention. This raised many eyebrows casting further doubts in the validity of the election. To make matters more convoluted was the fact General Than Shwe ‘retired’ his top generals to form political parties and run for office in the new ‘civilian’ government. What was the point since no matter who was to be elected as president or parliament they still ultimately required approval from Naypyidaw via the minority seats held by the military.

As Senator Webb struggles to find a solution to the issues of Burma it is more than clear he is faced with a daunting challenge because there are more factors to this issue than I have room to divulge in one story. Dare I mention the 10’s of millions of Chinese who claim Kachin alliances and blood lineage who are watching intently? This has become a very real hotbed of contention deep within the Chinese Communist Party and could possibly lead to internal strife as the world, including China makes, their move on Kachinland. There are no ‘two sides’ to this story since other alliances date back thousands of years. I also find myself with ancestral ties that lead me back to Kachinland. China is learning the hard way some alliances run deeper and further back than their pseudo Confucius ideological principle. As the west chooses a side it is clear they are not aware of ‘other side’s’ that must be considered when it comes to lifting sanction and the fate of Kachinland. Turning ones back on the Kachin may cause animosities from cultures they are not fully cognizant of.

And if this were not enough to contend with, let’s toss in the religion factor. We have the Buddhists on one side and Christians on another it would appear. Add the Muslims, Catholics and other dogma’s into Burma’s hodgepodge of differences and the whole concept of democracy gets totally lost in the quagmire. How can any side or dogma purport the cause for democracy, even disciplined democracy when they are diametrically opposed to dogmas other than their own? Surely none of these ideological principles justify the destruction of faiths or ideologies from another, but blood still flows regardless. Ancient tribal rivalries throughout Burma and adjoining regions are another factor that plays heavily into the matrix of this nation’s complex equation. Stateside conflicts between ethnic and religious groups rage out of sight from American eyes but they do offering a microcosm of what is happening in Burma if one is fortunate or unfortunate enough to witness them.

I have friends and family from all faiths and ideological principles from Burma. Some travel back and fourth from Burma while others are in constant communications with loved ones on a daily basis. Notably I have friends and family within the Jinghpaw community and I am privy to what is really happening directly from Kachinland, media blackout or not. I also have friends within the Karen, Mon, Shan, Bama and other ethnic groups who share experiences and news from within Burma. Talk about a bi-polar response to the lifting of sanctions. For every point there is another equally valid counter point until I bring up the issue of the killing of innocent civilians. That throws a monkey wrench in even the most elaborate argument to lift sanctions, well except for a small minority who cling to tribal differences.

Within my tribal tradition there is no such thing as a ‘greater good’ since there is no excuse for the justification of murdering one culture over another. Eugenics, ethnic cleansing and genocide are not in my vocabulary nor acceptable within my primitive indigenous ideology. My people already experienced genocide as well as the non response from an ambivalent world. What was the greater good in killing off the indigenous people of the America’s, Manifest Destiny? I look at religion the same way, just because someone follows an ideological principle other than mine is no justification for allowing them to be sacrificed for a greater good, it is just an excuse.

So my position is really quite simply, as long as Kachin blood is being spilled I have a moral and ethnical obligation to stand my ground on the sanctions issue since I can’t find justification in their murder. Some of them are my relations and I would be a fool not to stand by them in their hour of need. Just so people can have more prosperity and a few extra bucks in their pockets is no justification to allow for people to be killed, Christian or Buddhist. Material gain over human life is the impetus of butchers not civilized human beings. If the junta really wants to show the world Burma is truly changing they should cease killing Kachin and other ethnic groups and respect their autonomous territory. But tossing the Kachin to the Wolves for the sake of commerce is morally wrong by Buddhist and other dogmatic principles. Profiteering from such a lapse in moral judgment would be nothing more than accepting blood money.

If I could only bend Senator Webb’s ear for one second I know between the Jinghpaw, Jim and Thein Sein, they could come up with a plan to lift sanctions that would bare fruit for everyone. Of course the release of the 900+ political prisoners would need to be addressed as well. How could these imprisoned people have been forgotten anyway? There is no question Thein Sein’s government would show face and a real move towards democracy if the issue of Kachinland and the political prisoners were addressed in earnest and expeditiously. Burma would regain its crown as the hub of commerce once again and the need to horde scant riches would not be necessary. The alliances Jim could foster with the Jinghpaw would be more far reaching than he could possibly imagine within the Asian world. And he would be recognized in Kachinland for the gallantry he is noted for. I could hook him up if he wanted.  

But for now I guess I will continue pee in the sandbox of world politics.

Your Devil’s Advocate

Buffalohair

© 2012, Buffalohair Productions. All rights reserved.

Predictably Burmese artillery units began shelling the *Kachin Pan Tsun post in northern Bhamo (Manmaw) district. For 10 gruelling hours Kachin Independence Army Battalion 19 faced an intense 120 mm artillery barrage on their position in a futile attempt to retain control of this strategic location before the position fell. They were forced to regroup, but no doubt the Burmese have not heard the last of the fighting Jinghpaw.

The Pan Tsun Post is critical in the protection of Laiza where over 25,000 Internally Displace Kachin refugees are sheltered. Other locations are also experiencing heavy fighting as the war intensifies. Kachin troops are focused on the protection of Laiza and its civilian population. The Bhamo to Loije trade route was ultimately closed because of the intense combat operations in this region. Reports of casualties have not yet been reported by either side.

As **U.S. Senator Jim Webb heads to Washington to propose the lifting of sanctions to reward Burma I must ask; “Reward for what, the ethnic war the military junta of Burma continues to wage against the Jinghpaw people?” If the Kachin fail to hold back the marauding Burmese army the possibility of a humanitarian crisis of epic purporting could very well ensue. The good senator and corporate interests he panders for would undoubtedly have Kachin blood on their hands for this calculated ambivalence. After all, it was the junta that broke the 17 year cease fire agreement 10 months ago and it is the junta who bare full responsibility for continued crimes against humanity in Kachinland. And for this Burma should be rewarded? How far beyond stupid is that, or is it just pure greed?

We must remember Senator Webb was courting Than Shwe and the lifting of sanction long before Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was released from bondage and Insein Prison was still filled to capacity with political prisoners. With over 900 political prisoners remaining in prisons throughout Burma it’s clear nothing has changed since Jim Webb continues to ignore the humanitarian crisis that persists in Kachinland and Burma as a whole. In all reality the mainstream media also share in this profoundly apathetic mindset when it comes to Burma’s policy of eugenics and ethnic cleansing. If and when the Kachin succeeds in retaining their national sovereignty they should tell the whole world to get screwed when it comes to their bountiful resources. But for now my prayers are with the Jinghpaw.

* http://www.kachinnews.com/news/2270-kio-closes-loije-trade-route-after-burma-army-shelling.html

** http://webb.senate.gov/

Your Devil’s Advocate

Buffalohair

© 2012, Buffalohair Productions. All rights reserved.

Burmese troops are preparing for an offensive against *Internally Displaced People (IDP) in Laiza. Laiza is the temporary home of over 25,000 Kachin refugees who have fled their homeland as Burmese troops ransacked villages, townships and cities. Scores of human being have been tortured to death, raped and whole villages executed. Now Burma is moving heavy artillery into position to polish off this refugee centre.

120 mm artillery shells containing biological and chemical agents have become common place in Burma’s campaign of ethnic cleansing in Kachinland. Sadly the Tatmadaw uses child soldiers to handle these caustic weapons according to child defectors who’ve been interviewed in recent years. Now these big guns are being strategically positioned for maximum killing power in the Laiza region in this latest act of cowardice. Burmese troops are pouring in by the truck load and its not so they can distribute humanitarian aid in this impoverished region. There is no question innocent civilians will bear the brunt of Burma’s next offensive against the Jinghpaw.

But what puzzles me the most about any news story about the Kachin people is the use of the term ‘rebel’ as if the KIA and KIO were bands of renegade rebels. The reality is the fact Kachinland is a free standing nation governed by the Kachin Independence Organization and protected by the Kachin Independence Army. They always have and they always will but the misconception they are a rag tag fringe group rebels is nothing more than a carefully calculated lie to confuse the oblivious western world. The Burmese government is only trying to sugar-coat a bold faced lie to justify their intrusion into another nation’s sovereign land.

Burmanization is just another word for genocide or ethnic cleansing and nothing more that a military operation conceived by General Than Shwe himself. Women who do not escape advancing Burmese troops face gang rape from upwards of 10 to 30 men or more at an encounter as they ‘plant’ their seed to purify these Kachin women in this act called Burmanization. Sadly this is not an exaggeration for the fetid conduct of Burmese soldiers against ethnic minorities through out Burma reads more like a chapter in a Marque De Sade novel. Rape, torture and disembowelment are very real and used as ‘lessons’ for those who dare to disobey the Tatmadaw. The so called civilian government of  Burma is absolutely powerless to stop this since the Tatmadaw retains absolute control according to the constitution Than Shwe wrote and implemented back in 2008.

Many women are simply raped to death if they are lucky but less fortunate ones are tortured to death slowly by amphetamine filled troops from Burma. But let’s hear another pretty speech about how all is nice in Burma. Captured men and women are used as slaves or porters while male and female children are used as sex toys by perverted officers who take them as personal trophies. And you wonder why the KIA is fighting so hard to protect their people? Though Kachinland is chock full of natural resources it is not the land they are trying to save as much as it is their people. It is clear international corporate interests are hungry for Kachinland’s bountiful resources. It is also clear they are using the military junta of Burma to cleanse the landscape before they ‘develop’ this region whence sanctions are lifted. When the shelling begins in the Laiza region blood will be on the hands of corporate board of directors, the CEO’s and the stock holders as well as the barbaric Tatmadaw.

The Burmese military will not have a free ride since the KIA is already on the move to protect their nation and people. The valiant and courageous KIA finds it problematic at times when combating Burmese soldiers though. Since the cowardly Burmese army uses conscripts to do their bidding, Jinghpaw troops are hard pressed to kill people who are more like calves to slaughter. It is also noted these Burmese soldiers are hopped up on amphetamines. They do some spectacularly stupid feats in the heat of battle that places them in mortal danger from the elite Kachin army. Though the Tatmadaw is silent on the actual body count of their troops a conservative estimate is well into the thousands since Burma first violated the ceasefire last year. The count may be even higher but it is sure to grow as the war rages on. And were is the mainstream media through all this turmoil; reporting about fluffy speeches and boasting about how sanctions should be lifted. How far beyond stupid is that?

The west is not alone in the quagmire of contradictions and lies when facing the Kachin crisis. Another potential benefactor eager to control Kachinland’s rare earth minerals and resources is China. But within the Chinese Communist Party lurks a vast division between corporate oligarchists and true communist leaders who retain ancient alliances with the Kachin. It is this division that keeps China from assisting the Burmese government in this exercise in eugenics. In fact there are millions of Chinese who claim alliances with the Jinghpaw and there is no doubt if the oligarchist faction were to do away with the Kachin there would be major internal conflict within the C.C.P. itself. Being that China is on the verge of revolution already they don’t need to add wood to the fire. The divisions run deep within the military and other circles of influence within the red dragon of China when it comes to the Kachin.

Don’t think for one minute this division would help the west in any way since both sides within the C.C.P. are united in their disdain for the US and the west. The west has everything to loose if they continue to side with the criminal regime and their war on the Kachin and China has everything to gain if they do. The ideal outcome of this conflict would be to honour Kachinland’s borders and their sovereignty recognized by Burma, the west and the east. Only then will peace come to this war ravaged region since the Kachin are not going to back down anytime soon. Kachinland is a free standing nation and no corporate interests will prevail in this rush for her natural resources no matter how many civilians are murdered in Laiza or anywhere else in Kachinland. One day the world will regret they turned their backs on Kachinland. On the contrary I will be sipping tea with friends and family in Myitkyina.

* http://kachinnews.com/news/2269-burma-army-buildup-near-laiza-suggests-push-for-kio-capital.html  

Your Devil’s Advocate

Buffalohair

© 2012, Buffalohair Productions. All rights reserved.