The Saffron Revolution

The Saffron Revolution took place in 2007. Thousands of monks gathered to protest against the government, many wore saffron colored robes. The saffron color is very precious in Buddhist belief. In Rangoon, Moulmein and Mandalay the people of Burma walked the streets. They never intended to take use of violence, this was supposed to be a peaceful revolution. However, the military regime got involved and never hesitated to use weapons. The government of Burma aims to control the people so as this revolution took place against their will they decided to stop it immediately. This choice would cost 15-30 people their lives. The reason of the inexact numbers is that they differ according to who you ask. The regime claimed that only 15 people died during the revolution. The truth is that it's very likely that more than double the number gave their lives.

This demonstration was held in the wanting of democracy and to support the leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The demonstration was also meant to awake the surrounding world and spread the word. Sadly it was prohibited to bring cameras. To speak one's mind in public is rather dangerous in Burma as you can get punished if the government doesn't agree with you. Anyhow, illegal videos of the demonstration are available on

This Saffron Revolution was of paramount importance although it got stopped. It was indeed the largest revolution during two decades and the monks have fortunately not given up their hope.

youtube.com. If you check out the photos that have made their way to the internet you might also notice some monks sitting in front of the military soldiers with bowls turned upside down in their hands. This gesture is very strong. Usually when you put something in their bowls you get blessed. By holding the bowls this way the monks show that the soldiers are not able to get blessed since their ruling is against the Buddhist beliefs.