Success in Bagan!

It is with great pleasure that we write to inform our esteemed supporters that the Bagan donation event overseen by Better Burma was a success. The rice donated by our kind and generous donors went to monks and nuns throughout the Bagan area, and we can report that it was very much appreciated.

The monks and nuns were extremely grateful for the rice, and it was clear that it made a real difference to their lives. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our donors for their support; without you, this event would not have been possible! Thank you for helping us to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

In Burma, as many of you already know, the relationship between Buddhist lay people and monastics is extremely important. Householders are responsible for supporting the monastics, and the monks and nuns reciprocate by providing guidance and helping the lay people to lead better lives. This symbiotic relationship is at the heart of Burmese society.

With this in mind, lay people in Myanmar feel a great deal of responsibility for the welfare of the monastics. They know that the monks and nuns rely on them for food and shelter, and they take this responsibility very seriously. There is a saying in Burma that "The monastics are our teachers, and the lay people are their students." This is because the monks and nuns provide guidance and wisdom to the lay people, who in turn support them financially and materially.

During this current time, however, it has been exceedingly hard for lays to fulfill their usual responsibilities. Some householders have confided in us that they now feel guilty and even ashamed that they cannot give as much as they would like due to the current economic situation. The monks and nuns, on the other hand, have been very understanding and compassionate. They know that the lay people have their own problems these days, and they do not expect them to give more than they can afford.

That is why your donation has made such a difference in the lives of both lays and monastics in Bagan. You have stepped in to provide a critical service when it was needed most. We sincerely thank you, and more details on these ongoing events will be coming soon. Please also consider a donation to support our upcoming and future events to monastics, or consider a contribution that can help many of the other groups across Myanmar now at risk.