Search Buddhist Channel

Katrina aftermath: Where are the Buddhist relief groups?

by Tenzin Saldron, Minneapolis, USA, The Buddhist Channel, Sept 6, 2005

Last winter I was honored to travel to New Orleans with Maitreya Project Relic Tour and met so many wonderful hearts there. I am also a Buddhist nun.

During this last week I have, as many others, been watching the tragedies unfold in the Gulf region of the U.S. I have decided to go to volunteer as I feel I am needed, I think I could help. Currently, I am awaiting information to connect with the Red Cross or possibly another effort that will truly make a difference.

In my research I've come across many Christian agencies and other groups that offer opportunities for relief and assistance, but I do not see any Budddhist efforts or groups organizing yet. Am I looking in the wrong place? Where are we as a Buddhist family, community or group in this effort?

Are Buddhist practitioners just more quiet about our activities? I have heard our teachers comment that our Christian brothers and sisters show us a good example in that many schools and hospitals are initiated and maintained through their good efforts ...that we might learn from that example ...and I think this is true.

Possibly this is an opportunity for some of us to come forward and organize for the greater good? Here and now when it's to desperately needed. It is so easy to see the need. I truly don't intend to be critical. But I feel a need to ask. I'm sure many of you have already donated and organized.... maybe you can help me to find you ...to join your efforts?

And also, this letter is put forward to those who would hear and act upon the goodness within their hearts to do possibly even more, be creative in your generosity. You are welcome to contact me and join me, inform me, or be motivated to help in any way you can.

I know we are capable of so much.

I have faith in your good hearts because I have felt that goodness directly from you.

--------------------------
Note:
Tenzin Saldron can be contacted at tenzinsaldron@lightoffering.org

We Need Your Help to Train the
Buddhist AI Chat Bot NORBU!
(Neural Omniscient Robotic-Being for Buddhist Understanding)

For Malaysians who wants to donate in MYR, please use the following account:

Account Name: Bodhi Vision
Account No:. 2122 00000 44661
Bank: RHB
Note: Please indicate your name in the payment slip. Thank you.

Dear Friends in the Dharma,

We seek your generous support to help us train NORBU, the word's first Buddhist AI Chat Bot.

Here are some ways you can contribute to this noble cause:

One-time Donation or Loan: A single contribution, regardless of its size, will go a long way in helping us reach our goal and make the Buddhist LLM a beacon of wisdom for all.

How will your donation / loan be used? Download the NORBU White Paper for details.

For Malaysians who wants to donate in MYR, please use the following account:

Account Name: Bodhi Vision
Account No:. 2122 00000 44661
Bank: RHB
Note: Please indicate your purpose of payment (loan or donation) in the payment slip. Thank you.

Once payment is banked in, please send the payment slip via email to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv. Your donation/loan will be published and publicly acknowledged on the Buddhist Channel.

Spread the Word: Share this initiative with your friends, family and fellow Dharma enthusiasts. Join "Friends of Norbu" at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/norbuchatbot. Together, we can build a stronger community and create a positive impact on a global scale.

Volunteer: If you possess expertise in AI, natural language processing, Dharma knowledge in terms of Buddhist sutras in various languages or related fields, and wish to lend your skills, please contact us. Your knowledge and passion could be invaluable to our project's success.

Your support is part of a collective effort to preserve and disseminate the profound teachings of Buddhism. By contributing to the NORBU, you become a "virtual Bodhisattva" to make Buddhist wisdom more accessible to seekers worldwide.

Thank you for helping to make NORBU a wise and compassionate Buddhist Chatbot!

May you be blessed with inner peace and wisdom,

With deepest gratitude,

Kooi F. Lim
On behalf of The Buddhist Channel Team

Note: To date, we have received the following contributions for NORBU:
US$ 75 from Gary Gach (Loan)
US$ 50 from Chong Sim Keong
MYR 300 from Wilson Tee
MYR 500 from Lim Yan Pok
MYR 50 from Oon Yeoh
MYR 200 from Ooi Poh Tin
MYR 300 from Lai Swee Pin
MYR 100 from Ong Hooi Sian
MYR 1,000 from Fam Sin Nin
MYR 500 from Oh teik Bin
MYR 300 from Yeoh Ai Guat
MYR 300 from Yong Lily
MYR 50 from Bandar Utama Buddhist Society
MYR 1,000 from Chiam Swee Ann
MYR 1,000 from Lye Veei Chiew
MYR 1,000 from Por Yong Tong
MYR 80 from Lee Wai Yee
MYR 500 from Pek Chee Hen
MYR 300 from Hor Tuck Loon
MYR 1,000 from Wise Payments Malaysia Sdn Bhd
MYR 200 from Teo Yen Hua
MYR 500 from Ng Wee Keat
MYR 10,000 from Chang Quai Hung, Jackie (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from K. C. Lim & Agnes (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from Juin & Jooky Tan (Loan)
MYR 100 from Poh Boon Fong (on behalf of SXI Buddhist Students Society)
MYR 10,000 from Fam Shan-Shan (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from John Fam (Loan)
MYR 500 from Phang Cheng Kar
MYR 100 from Lee Suat Yee
MYR 500 from Teo Chwee Hoon (on behalf of Lai Siow Kee)
MYR 200 from Mak Yuen Chau

We express our deep gratitude for the support and generosity.

If you have any enquiries, please write to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv

TOP