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What else can we do to support the monks and people of Burma?
by Visakha Kawasaki, Kandy, Sri Lanka, The Buddhist Channel, Sept 30, 2007
You can't make the situation any better than it is, but instead of wallowing in pity and helplessness, there are steps you can take to demonstrate solidarity with the brave monks, nuns and lay people of Burma. Here are a few suggestions.
- Meditate.
- Hold a vigil. (Some vigil locations in the US and Italy are posted on the Buddhist Peace Fellowship website (www.bpf.org) - inform BPF when yours is planned!)
- Offer dana at a local monastery in memory of those who have been killed in Burma.
- Do any kusala kamma, meritorious deeds, and share your merits with all living beings, especially recalling those who have died in Burma.
- Stay informed and write letters to the editor of any news source that covers the situation in Burma. Even if your comments aren’t published, editors pay attention to stories that have the attention of their audience and tend to follow them up.
- Join a demonstration at a Burmese embassy or Consulate
- Sign/circulate petitions (available at www.BuddhistChannel.tv)
- Meditate!
- The monks and nuns in Burma have been reciting The Karaniya Metta Sutta and the Mora Sutta, for protection. Chant it during your sitting sessions. Here they are in Pali and English:
The Karaniya Metta Sutta - The Buddha’s discourse on Loving - Kindness
1 Karaniyam atthakusalena Yan tam santam padam abhisamecca Sakko uju ca suju ca Suvaco c'assa mudu anatimani
This is what should be done By one who is skilled in goodness Having glimpsed the state of perfect peace, Let them be able, honest and upright, Gentle in speech, meek and not proud.
2 Santussako ca subharo ca Appakicco ca sallahukavutti Santindriyo ca nipako ca Appagabbho kulesu ananugiddho
Contented and easy to support, With few duties, and simple in living. Tranquil their senses, masterful and modest, without greed for supporters
3 Na ca khuddam samacare kinci Yena viññu pare upavadeyyum Sukhino va khemino hontu Sabbe satta bhavantu sukhitatta
Also, let them not do the slightest thing That the wise would later reprove. Let them cultivate the thought: May all be well and secure, May all beings be happy
4 Ye keci panabhut'atthi Tasa va thavara va anavasesa Digha va ye mahanta va Majjhima rassakanukathula
Whatever living creatures there be, Without exception, weak or strong, Long, huge or middle-sized, Or short, minute or bulky,
5 Dittha va yeva adittha Ye ca dure vasanti avidure Bhuta va sambhavesi va Sabbe satta bhavantu sukhitatta
Whether visible or invisible, And those living far or near, The born and those seeking birth, May all beings be happy
6 Na paro param nikubbetha Natimaññetha katthacinam kanci Byarosana patighasañña Naññamaññassa dukkham iccheyya
Let none deceive another Or despise any being in any state; Let none wish others harm In resentment or in hate.
7 Mata yatha niyam puttam Ayusa ekaputtam anurakkhe Evampi sabbabhutesu Manasam bhavaye aparimanam
Just as with her own life A mother shields her child, her only child, from hurt Let all-embracing thoughts For all beings be yours.
8 Mettañ ca sabba-lokasmim Manasam bhavaye aparimanam Uddham adho ca tiriyanca Asambadham averam asapattam
Cultivate a limitless heart of goodwill For all throughout the cosmos, In all its height, depth and breadth -- Love that is untroubled And beyond hatred or enmity.
9 Titthañ caram nisinno va Sayano va yavat'assa vigatamiddho Etam satim adhittheyya Brahmam etam viharam idhamahu
As you stand, walk, sit or lie, So long as you are awake, Pursue this awareness with your might: It is deemed Divine Abiding- here and now.
10 Ditthiñca anupagamma silava Dassanena sampanno Kamesu vineyya gedham Na hi jatu gabbhaseyyam punar eti'ti
Holding no more to wrong views, A pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision, being freed from all sense desires, Is not born again into this world.
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