Until 30 May, at B Travel Xperience (calle Miguel Ángel, 33) Burma, between monastery, a photographic project by Antonio Aznar, an exhibition of 41 photographs on the society based on Buddhist ethics that dazzled the world. Admission is free.
Antonio Aznar traveled to Burma in 2007 among the first Spaniards allowed to enter the country, witnessing mass protests and their demands for freedom and democracy.
“In the West, we were stunned by the image of thousands of peaceful monks taking to the streets and demanding freedom and democratic rights, says Antonio Aznar. The “Saffron Revolution” was launched. The surprise led me to want to meet them, to get into their mentality and thoughts, outside of political and geostrategic approaches. I promised to come back, in doing so I prepared this photographic project about my bus trips through the cities and regions of the country.”
This trip allowed him to see how human nature is intertwined with education and justice, especially in rural communities and their monasteries or wisdom centers, authentic treasures that often go unnoticed. Monasteries have passed down through the centuries a set of universal ethical values such as humility, compassion, justice and service to others. These values are essential to building more just and equitable societies.
The role of women in monasteries throughout history has been fundamental. Each family has at least one relative who is a monk or nun. Being a monk or nun is not a permanent decision, many return to civilian life and become the leaders of their community, promoting harmony between simple life and nature.
Buddhist ethics and precepts resonate as a message of peace and respect, much needed in today’s world. The term Ahiṃsā refers to the five precepts of Buddhist ethics: non-violence, respect for life, no inappropriate sexual behavior, no lying and drug use. A “skillful” mind avoids all actions that can cause suffering or remorse, so the Buddhist doctrine teaches to have better behavior, use reasoning, be critical and oppose blind faith.
Professional with more than 25 years in the world of Communication, Advertising and Design, Antonio Aznar is director of Art and Creative of several advertising agencies and co-founder of Abanico Publicidad Integral, reference agency in Madrid of which he is currently its director.
