This sentiment is often expressed b

This sentiment is often expressed by supporters of 969 and Ma-
BaTha as they defend their organizations against claims of extremism.
A Burmese Buddhist nun from Mandalay explained why she had joined
a push to rebrand the movement in the face of a ban on 969 organiza-
tions by the state Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee: “I quite support
this organization...I believe it can spread religious and cultural knowl-
edge widely to children who live in rural areas. Many live far from the
Buddha’s teachings” (Si Thu Lwin 2013b). The monk Ashin Sada Ma
has said that the purpose of the movement is to educate young Bud-
dhists about their religion. “In the modern age, the young people don’t