The document provides discussion questions about a slide show and article on Buddhism and Buddhist monks in Myanmar. It asks students to analyze photographs depicting the role of monks in daily life and compare Myanmar's devotion to Buddhism to another country. Students are asked to read an article about Buddhist monks protesting in Myanmar by turning their begging bowls upside down. They are prompted to discuss the relationship between monks and soldiers, examples of past protest, and the source of monks' power in legitimizing rulers.

1. Beyond Myanmar
LODI HIGH SCHOOL
SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES
Historical Facts
What do you know about
Myanmar?
Burmese Religious Life

2. Beyond Myanmar
LODI HIGH SCHOOL
SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES
Think - Pair - Share
•What do these photographs say about the extent to which Buddhist monks are part of daily life and
society in Myanmar?
•To which other country does the slide show compare Myanmar in terms of its devotion to Buddhism?
•What conclusions can your draw about the role of religion in Myanmar based on these images?
What makes a monk mad?
•Read the article ‘What makes a monk mad?’
•Why did Buddhist monks in Myanmar turn their begging bowls upside down, and what were the
implications of this action?
•How does the article describe the relationship between Buddhist monks and soldiers in Myanmar?
•What are some other historical examples of protest in this country, according to the article?
•What does it mean that the monks’ power comes from ‘bestowing legitimacy’ on the rulers?
•What conclusion can you draw about the future of Myanmar based on this article?