At the Irrawaddy Naval Base Headquarters in Thanlyin Township, Yangon Region, a mandatory Abhidhamma chanting training course is being conducted under the orders of Navy Chief Admiral Tin Win. According to naval sources, the wife of the Navy Chief and all officers’ wives are required to attend the training. The course is being held at the Dhamma Hall of the Irrawaddy Naval Base Headquarters from March 1st to 7th, led by instructor Khin Thanda Oo from Ngwe Hla Ratana Abhidhamma. Khin Thanda Oo is the daughter of retired Major General Tin Ngwe and wife of a military medical battalion commander.
The training primarily focuses on teaching Patthan chanting methods, and officers’ wives have been warned that they will face disciplinary action if they fail to attend, resulting in full attendance. Additionally, an order has been issued requiring daily recitation of the Dhammacakka Sutta at the Naval Headquarters Dhamma Hall starting from 4:30 PM. Sources within the military confirm that the graduation ceremony and award presentation will be held on March 7th. The mandatory nature of these religious training sessions has become a pattern within the military establishment, with observers noting it as a form of pressure on officers and their family members.
The implementation of emergency merit-making activities such as Patthan chanting and Dhammacakka Sutta recitation is being interpreted by analysts as an indication of internal concerns within the military ranks. The compulsory participation in these religious activities, particularly for officers’ wives, reflects the military’s continued practice of exercising control over not just its personnel but also their family members. This mandatory religious training program demonstrates the extent of institutional pressure within the naval forces, where even spiritual practices are being used as tools of administrative control.
