The Buddhist political rhetoric of Aung San Suu Kyi

Abstract

This paper traces the development of the political rhetoric of Aung San Suu Kyi in order that her message of democratic transition in Burma could become consonant with traditional Buddhist beliefs. Understanding the modern usage by the Burmese political elite (both the National League for Democracy [NLD] and the State Peace and Development Council [SPDC] of Buddhism in their political rhetoric requires an examination into the traditional endoxa or the common opinions of the people on Buddhism. The paper finds that Suu Kyi's rhetoric developed as a product of her own incarceration by the military rulers. In contrast to her father, she has infused her political message with her own brand of socially engaged Buddhism, or active Metta, that has successfully resonated among the people, forcing the generals to respond with their own variety of piety.