I.

Easton-Waller, “Mean Street Monks”

A.
1. How does the usage of Buddhist symbols, ideas, and identities by
gangs in Stockton, CA complicate what you know about Buddhism? How
does it complicate what you think about religion and morality in general
(or does it not)?
2. Do you think the monks can bring about a social transformation
on a larger scale? Or will the effects of their mission only be felt within
the temple grounds?
B.
1. Why might the gang members feel “respect” for Wat
Chansisamakidha? Why would this be a deterrent for violence?
2. What could be responsible for the divide in perceptions of the
monks between generations? Is it possible that the dissenters feel
somehow disempowered by the monks’ activities?
II. Darlington, “The Ordination of a Tree”
A.
1. Please provide a brief overview of the problem of deforestation in
Thailand on the basis of this article, including relevant economic and
historical factors.
2. What kinds of criticisms are leveled against the ecology monks?
Are the criticisms persuasive?
B.
1. Please provide a brief description of the ritual ordination of trees
as discussed in this article.
2. How do the “ecology monks” utilize Buddhist concepts in an effort
to reduce deforestation? Does it strike you as an effective tactic?
III. Steinberg, “Globalization, Dissent, Orthodoxy”
A.
1. Steinberg references the importance of “orthodoxy” to the
Burmese military junta (and even to its opposition). What precisely does
this mean? How had it been maintained?
2. What is the relationship between Buddhism, the sangha, and
national identity in Myanmar? How did this grant the sangha an
advantageous position in protesting the junta?
B.
1. What kinds of social problems existed in Myanmar in the lead up
to the Saffron Revolution? What was the immediate cause of the saffron
revolution?
2. How did global communication technology help to produce a
different outcome for the Saffron Revolution than for other political
uprisings in Myanmar?