Myanmar Jesuit sees Buddhist Waso as bridge for interreligious peace

By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai, LiCAS News

Fr. Girish Santiago, SJ, said the Buddhist holy season of Waso provides a “meaningful bridge” for interreligious encounter and shared peacebuilding as Myanmar faces continuing political instability and humanitarian challenges.

The Jesuits and their lay collaborators in Myanmar are turning their attention to Waso during August, a month also marked by heavy monsoon rains and peak agricultural activity across the country.

The monsoon of the soul: Observing Waso in Myanmar

Myanmar remains a predominantly Theravada Buddhist nation, with roughly 87 percent of its population practicing the faith. August falls within Waso, the three-month Buddhist Lent or rain retreat.

During the sacred period, monks remain within their monasteries for intensive prayer, scriptural study, and meditation.

For lay Buddhists, Waso is a time to deepen spiritual discipline, practice strict moral precepts, and show generosity by offering robes, food, candles, and essential supplies to monastic communities.

“For the past ten years in Myanmar, I have been deeply moved to witness such vibrant faith practice among Buddhist monks, nuns, and laypersons,” Fr. Santiago said.

“While Waso is not a Christian liturgical season, its core spiritual values provide a meaningful bridge for interreligious encounter and mutual understanding.”

Six pillars of shared faith and tradition

Fr. Santiago identified six areas in which the Buddhist observance of Waso and Catholic spirituality share common ground.

He pointed first to contemplation and prayer, saying the Buddhist commitment to retreat and meditation mirrors Jesus’ invitation to his disciples in Mark 6:31: “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.”

The Jesuit priest also drew a parallel between the spiritual discipline of Waso and the Catholic season of Lent, with both emphasizing prayer, repentance, self-denial, and charity.

Buddhist teachings on mettā, or loving-kindness, and karuṇā, or compassion, also resonate with the Christian commandment to love God and neighbor, he said.

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Waso, he added, invites both communities to ask: “Who is suffering around us, and how can our faith move us to serve them?”

Fr. Santiago also highlighted nonviolence and reconciliation, saying both traditions uphold human dignity, reject hatred, and promote forgiveness, peace, and the protection of vulnerable people.

He said the two faith traditions also share an emphasis on simplicity and detachment, challenging consumerism and self-centeredness, and encouraging believers to examine what prevents them from becoming more compassionate.

Interreligious friendship, Fr. Santiago said, is another area of convergence, with Waso offering opportunities for respectful dialogue, theological reflection, and joint humanitarian action.

A vision for reconciliation and hope

Fr. Santiago also referenced Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), emphasizing that authentic interreligious dialogue respects theological differences while identifying shared human values that can advance the common good.

Pope Leo’s encyclical was published on May 25, 2026   (@Vatican Media)

As monsoon rains soak Myanmar’s agricultural fields, the Jesuit regional superior expressed hope that the spiritual practices associated with the season could contribute to healing in a country facing profound hardship.

“As rain nourishes the fields, people of faith must continue to pray and labor for peace,” Fr. Santiago said.

“May this shared pursuit of quiet prayer, generosity, and compassion bear rich fruit for reconciliation across Myanmar.”

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