Responding to the Crisis in Burma

A few of us will travel to Tempe, Arizona on Saturday the 6th to join in a peaceful protest rally focusing on the crackdown on advocates of democracy and the detaining and killing of Buddhist monks in Burma (see the prior post on this blog).

Why not pull together a response to the Burmese crisis here in Sedona as well? We have the perfect spot: the Stupa; and the perfect means: our Buddhist path of peaceful witness not only to the causes of suffering but also to its cessation. The Buddha taught about both.

It’s an unbelievable tragedy that Buddhist monks and peaceful demonstrators in Burma have been detained, tortured and killed. It’s heartbreaking that people suffer because of the cruelty of the Burmese Junta that appears to be calling the shots in this crackdown; and, also knowing that the members of the Junta and others involved in perpetrating these monstrous acts are likely to suffer endlessly because of their actions.

Having maintained his concern, and having worked with great effort for the welfare of the Tibetan people, when Mao died the Dalai Lama wept knowing the likely suffering for Mao that would be result from the cruelty that was perpetrated with his blessings on the Tibetan and Chinese people. It is the same with the Junta in Burma. We weep for the monks and lay people rounded up by the Junta and for the Junta and its functionaries.

One way to help is to get involved in the protest: maybe this will contribute towards turning the tide in Burma and changing the behaviors of that government (if not bringing it down all together). If you are not sure how to plug in, check out Buddhist Relief, Inc. (www.buddhisrelief,org). They have ideas and a good list of worldwide resources for responding to the crisis in Burma.

Stay tuned to this blog as well in case something gets going at the Amitabha Stupa in Sedona in response to the crisis in Burma.

By the way, the press uses "Myanmar" instead of Burma but I am holding on to the name that the protesters use. The Junta changed the name but the legitimacy of that act is questionable.

By the effort, may all sentient beings be free of suffering.