Putting Compassion into Action

Irrawaddy

Do Burmese people really understand the meaning of compassion? Not according to a prominent Buddhist monk who has taken a leading role in Cyclone Nargis relief efforts.

Monks are heroes in Burma

They are more prominent in the villages right now, since the government has cracked down on them in urban areas, but they're everywhere in Burma. With shaved heads and flowing maroon colored robes (yellow "saffron" robes are worn elsewhere), Burmese monks are at the forefront of flood relief efforts and man the front lines of a not-so-quiet resistance movement.

Boys as young as 7 can enter monkhood, and young men often join for a short time as a way to honor their families. Only about 15 percent of Burma's monks decide to make it a lifelong calling.

There are about 500,000 monks in Burma, and they don't stay in isolated shrines. They live among the people, are supported by them and serve in many capacities. They also have a strong tradition of activism that has frequently crossed into the political sphere. They supported pro-independence groups during British colonial rule. In 1988, they supported a pro-democracy movement that was able to change the junta's leadership...

Donation to Victims of Cyclone Nargis in Laputta Township - YBSLM

Dear Donors:

Our relief workers went to Laputta on June 6. They donated cash to some temples and two nunneries for reconstruction of their temples. During this time the junta was giving many problems to those who donate materials. In some cases, they even seized the materials. Our relief workers pretended that they were just going to visit their relatives at Laputta. That was why they donated cash only. Before going there, they had purchased some relief materials, which are still lying in their office. They donated 3,000,000 kyats- to Sukhitarama Parahita Temple, which is running a monastic school from class I to Class IV, for 300 students. Classes are being held every day, but the students are lacking text books, notebooks, pencils, and other supplies. The Relief workers also donated 3,000.000 each to two nunneries, each having around 25 to 30 nuns.

According to the report from the relief workers, the nunneries were badly damaged, and the nuns are suffering from a lack of food....

Desperate victims look to monks for help

Monasteries step foward in face of junta's inadequate relief response

Burma: Monks vs. Junta