A monk’s engagement and active participation in social or political life is controversial due to their religious purpose to search for spiritual liberation. But it seems that for many of the younger generation, involvement in social life is unavoidable because of their importance in a community and numerous duties they are in charge of. Moreover, in times of emergency it seems that there is no other group in the Myanmar society which is more fitted, flexible and accepted by the nation.
Quite a few younger monks, who have travailed, studied and preached abroad, are in closer contact with the outside word and have had an opportunity to widen their perspectives. They are more conscious about underdevelopment of their country caused by isolation, lack of access to the means of communication such as internet, mobile phones etc., and they realize the impact of overwhelming proverty on their people. They are more open toward working for the benefit of others.
In Myanmar, it is often emphasized that monks are powerful. They have real power to positively influence the society they lie in. The question is it the present revival can develop into a more organized and representative movement, where the engaged Sangha would be able to formulate postulates and define their area of activity. That depends on the participation of prominent and respected teachers, with authority in the Sangha and among the followers.