Here We Are Again
Sorry not to be making regular posts but stuff interrupts me (ha!) Finally got the roof fixed but it made my health wobble so I have been taking it easy.
Buddhist Reaction To Disasters
Heard about the terrible loss of life in the Philippines due to the massive storm. Praying sincerely for all those affected.
After reflection, took another look at the way I use my income and decided I must do more to help more charities. Here are three I started helping today. Please check them out and if you can afford a donation please give. Remember the true gift is not the amount you give but the spirit of giving – a little given with true compassion works more good for others, and for you, than a lot given grudgingly.
Médecins Sans Frontières UK (aka Doctors Without Borders)
Do I need to explain what they do? They are such a well known charity and offer such a basic service you probably already know all about them: they give medical care to those in need and especially take a role in responding to crises such as war, natural and man-made disasters. Here is the UK website (they have other national sites if you want to support your local branch).
Oxfam (UK)
Another well-known charity. They focus on relieving poverty, especially through long-term development work but they also have a disaster relief fund which gives aid to support communities in crisis e.g. due to war, natural disaster, civil conflicts, failed governments etc. Here is the UK website with links to other associated charities.
Buddhist Global Relief (USA)
This may be a less well-know charity. I only just heard of it. I looked around their website and saw that they were motivated by the right intentions, prudent in the causes they chose to help and the forms of help they provide. I felt they should get my support. They are USA-based but you can send donations via PayPal and national boundaries are no barrier to prayers. Please check them out and consider helping them out too. Here is the USA website with links to the other charities they support.
Conclusions
My final comment: remember it is good to share material resources and a sincere Buddhist will joyfully assist all others. But material help is not the only form of help, nor necessarily the best form of help. Your prayers help too.
Each day, around 6pm I light a vigil candle as a gesture of solidarity with all beings, of compassion for all suffering beings, of hope for the enlightenment of all beings, for the celebration, admiration and praise of the Buddhas and for all other holy beings who similarly will good and do good. If you don’t have money to donate, light a candle with a sincere intention. If you have no candle, light one in your imagination and let its warm light fill you and go out from you to all beings.
An out-pouring of love from a pure heart cannot be inhibited by anything: not by material poverty, not even by wealth. You are, and always remain, a ‘wish-granting jewel’ – as such you are an eternal source of consolation to yourself and to all others. Let that be your refuge in the face of disaster, of overwhelming suffering.
I, Shi Pasang, devoutly bless my dear readers. May my kind readers bless me!
