A Transformative Platform

Longtime followers of this platform are well aware of its humble beginnings rooted in a deep interest in spirituality, particularly the exploration of meditative traditions within the captivating realm known as the Golden Land. More than a decade ago, it took shape as the “Burma Dhamma Blog”, a space dedicated to sharing information, reflections, and observations about monasteries and meditation centers. As the winds of change swept across Myanmar during the democratic transition of the 2010s, the country gradually opened its doors, beckoning an increasing number of practitioners and scholars to embrace the newfound freedoms and embark on transformative journeys to the Golden Land.

The blog, resonating with the growing curiosity and engagement, flourished and transformed in ways not imagined at the outset. It expanded into a multifaceted platform encompassing documentaries, thought-provoking presentations, pilgrimage offerings, and more. The aim was to delve deeper into the role of Buddhism and monasticism within Burmese society, unearthing the intricate tapestry of its history and culture. This organic evolution gave birth to a comprehensive guidebook named “Shwe Lan Ga Lay,” crafted to aid meditation practitioners in navigating the Buddhist and meditative traditions of Myanmar.

In 2019, a new chapter unfolded with the launch of the Insight Myanmar Podcast, an avenue that allowed for profound exploration of the rich and often uncharted realms of this captivating land. However, the winds of fate took a drastic turn when the disheartening coup took place. Suddenly, everything changed. In response to these dire circumstances, our podcast platform expanded its mission to actively address the ongoing crisis. While maintaining a deep exploration of the Buddhist perspective through conversations with guests from such backgrounds, our episodes now embrace the full spectrum of diversity found within the country—its myriad cultures, religions, and peoples.

But the journey did not stop there. In a testament to our commitment to the people of Myanmar going through this difficult period, we established Better Burma, a nonprofit organization driven by the urgent need for humanitarian care in the face of adversity. Through this noble endeavor, we strive to extend a helping hand to those most affected by the tumultuous times, bringing hope, solace, and vital support to the communities that yearn for healing and restoration.

In the face of darkness, our pursuit remains steadfast, fueled by a resolute belief that, in contrast to the nationalist propaganda put out by the Tatmadaw, the preservation of Buddhism does not necessitate the destruction of a nation, but rather the nurturing of compassion, understanding, and unity. With each endeavor, we aspire to honor the intrinsic values that have long graced Myanmar's rich tapestry, fostering a future where harmony and enlightenment can flourish side by side.

At this critical juncture, as we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of the people of Myanmar, we humbly request your support. The challenges faced by the country and its resilient communities are immense, and it is through collective action that we can extend a lifeline of hope and assistance.

If you believe in our mission and are moved to contribute, we kindly ask for your generous donation to keep our mission afloat. Your financial support will directly aid in providing essential resources, including food, clean water, medical supplies, and shelter, to those affected by the current crisis, as well as helping our continued media mission.

Together, we can make a tangible difference and stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar during this trying time. Your contribution, no matter how small, has the power to bring comfort, resilience, and a glimmer of hope to those facing immense adversity.