public and 88 Generation monks do not agree with these 969 monks. The 88 and Saffron monks have intentions to live peacefully. But they are less powerful than the 969 monks. They lost many from their ranks due to arrest or exile.”35, 36 Thus, while support for the 969 movement can appear broad, there could be more opposition to it within the sangha than meets the eye.
The same is likely true of MaBaTha, which, as explained above, has several prominent monks associated with it who have supported interfaith activities. This adds to the confusion regarding the group’s purpose. One monk stated in a
perspective and the MaBaTha perspective are directly opposed to one another.” He shared this idea with his lay supporters, but not necessarily through more public channels.37 The unwillingness to criticize fellow monks is rooted in monastic rules and values, as well as social and political pressure. “We dare not criticize the extremist monks because they are very strong. So if we make a move, a criticism, we are attacked