Abstract

Buddhist Reformer: The Philosophy of U Nu

Burmese Prime Minister U Nu is convinced that the acceptance of foreign aid would endanger his role as a neutralist. An orthodox Buddhist, U Nu is often swayed more by moral considerations than by those of practical politics. It is reported that he once fasted as a demonstration of support for the right of Moslems in Burma to slaughter cattle on a Moslem holiday. Buddhism prohibits such slaughter, but U Nu insisted that in this instance another Buddhist law took precedence, a law which requires that other religions be held in respect. One of the Prime Minister's first acts in office was to rebuild Buddhism as a living force throughout the country. The Buddhist emphasis on tolerance is a key to U Nu's foreign policy.