Gratitude for a spiritual abode

When Burma began to ever so slightly open its doors to foreigners in the late 1990s after years of isolation, a new phenomenon began to emerge: the arrival of Westerners who came not as tourists or businesspeople, but as meditators. Drawn by the country’s reputation as a land of Buddhist pilgrimage, these visitors were seeking something that had become increasingly rare in the West: a place where the ancient tradition of meditation was still being practiced in its traditional setting.

What they found was a country that was in the midst of a massive social and political upheaval, a country that was still very much a closed society. And yet, despite the challenges, these foreign meditators were welcomed with open arms by the Burmese monastic community, and afforded opportunities for spiritual development that are simply unavailable in other countries.

In the years that followed, as Burma began to open up to the outside world, the number of foreign meditators coming to the country increased ever so slightly. And while the vast majority of these visitors were only able to stay for a short time, a small number made the decision to stay longer, to commit themselves to a life of meditation and service in Burma.

Among those who have chosen to make Burma their home is a small group of Westerners who have taken ordination as monks and nuns. While their numbers are still small, their impact has been significant.

For many of these foreign meditators, the decision to ordain was driven by a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity they had been given to study and practice meditation in a country that is still largely unknown in the West. It was also a way of showing their support for the Burmese monastic community, which has been a constant source of inspiration and strength during a time of social unrest.

In ordaining as monks and nuns, these Westerners not only took on a new way of life, but also a new set of responsibilities. As members of the monastic community, they found they were expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, and some even went on to act as ambassadors for Buddhism and teachers of meditation in the West.

The monks and nuns of Burma have always been a source of great kindness and compassion. Now, as the country is going through its greatest challenge of their lifetimes, there is an opportunity to repay that kindness in a very real and tangible way.

As we all know, the monastic community has always been a source of support for the Burmese people. In times of difficulty, they have always been there to help. Yet now, in the midst of an economic collapse and raging violence throughout the country, there is a role to play in helping the helpers

Foreign meditators who have been fortunate enough to study with Burmese monastics in the past have a unique opportunity to repay the kindness and support they have received. Now, they have the chance to give back to the monastic community that has helped them so much.

There are a number of ways to help the monastic community in Burma during this difficult time. One way is to make a donation that is earmarked towards providing food and medicine to monks and nuns in need. Another way is to spread the word about the current situation, especially among your local Saṅgha, and encourage others to support them as well. And don’t forget, it is never too late to reach out to close friends, past teachers, and helpers along the path and let them know that you care and are there to hear about their struggles. Simply an open ear and a kind heart can be a refuge.

Whatever one ultimately chooses to do, it is not so important the extent that one gives, but the intention in the heart while giving.