An Update on Kyaukme Monastics and IDPs

Amidst the quiet hills outside of Kyaukme, in Shan State, a powerful story of resilience is unfolding. Displaced families, many of whom have taken refuge in monasteries and meditation centers, are enduring great hardship. They have fled the violence that has disrupted their once peaceful lives, seeking both physical shelter and spiritual solace. Monks and laypeople alike are caught in this turmoil, and their lives have been upended. In the midst of all this, they continue their practices, even engaging in meditation to find peace despite the chaos surrounding them. Your donations can help sustain these communities.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, who answered a call we put out last week seeking funds, the displaced families have received essential food items, including rice, oil, and eggs. As a result of your kindness and goodwill, at least 550 monastics and internally displaced persons (IDPs) have benefited from your compassion. However, the need remains dire. There are still countless families who are relying on these monasteries for their survival, and your contribution can make a lasting impact.

Despite the ongoing dangers, local charity teams have risked their lives to deliver aid, moving through areas affected by airstrikes and shelling. Their dedication has been unwavering, and they have been moved by the compassion of international donors who have enabled them to continue their noble work.

In a unique twist, some IDPs are not only surviving, but also thriving spiritually in these tremendously hard times, as we heard recently while administering aid. At a local meditation center, some elderly women who have lost everything are turning to meditation as a source of peace. Inspired by the teachings of revered monks, they are using this challenging time to deepen their practice.

As you consider making a donation, we ask that you understand the gravity of the situation. The names of specific camps where we delivered this aid, as well as some of the smaller monasteries and nunneries, are kept confidential to protect the individuals involved. Yet, the reality is that these places serve as both shelters and sanctuaries, providing refuge, sustenance, and hope. By contributing, you are not just providing food and shelter, but also helping these individuals maintain their spiritual practices, which sustain them in times of great trial.