Myanmar and Sri Lanka are ancient and prominent Theravada Buddhists countries. The Buddha preached 'Eva Balawa', anybody can come and ascertain for themselves, what Buddhism is.

Ven Ashin Wirathu Thera, emerged from Myanmar as a protector of Buddhist rights in that country. Most Ven Ashin Wirathu Thera the founder of the '969' and the leader of that organization, and was in Sri Lanka recently on an invitation of the Bodu Bala Sena, to address the Maha Sangha Samuluwa held at the Sugathadasa Stadium on September 28.

According to Wirathu Thera, he dedicates his services to eradicate inhumanity, cruelty and all bad influences against Buddhists and Buddhism. Buddhists countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia face problems based on cultural and religious.

Q: What is the meaning of '969'?

A: '969' are the virtuous qualities of the Triple Gem. It includes the 24 virtuous qualities of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. It enlists the first nine of the Buddha's virtuous qualities for being the Buddha, six Dhamma's virtuous qualities for the Dhamma and nine Sangha's virtuous qualities for the Sangha.

Q: Why did you found '969'?

A: I was determined to unite Buddhists. Actually, my target was the progress of the Buddhasasana. It is directly linked with the protection of pristine levels of my Buddhist country and our innocent Buddhists.

Q: What are the obstacles you faced when you launched your work through the '969'?

A: Yes, we had to face a number of difficulties in the past. I know those problems have not been eliminated. In the future too, we will have to face many difficulties from outsiders. Whatever it may be, we have to dedicate ourselves to protecting the purity of the Buddhasasana.

Even though Muslims try to create some unnecessary problems in our country, we feel that they have some fear and doubts about '969'. The other important thing is we have understood that outside forces who have not developed kindness, love and compassion fear the people who have developed such noble qualities.

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Myanmar, Lanka will protect Buddhism in its PRISTINE GLORY - Ven Ashin Wirathu Thera