A Call for Compassion: Supporting Mohnyin and Bodhi Tahtaung Monasteries
As the conflict in Myanmar continues to displace and endanger countless lives, the role of sites like the Mohnyin and Bodhi Tahtaung Monasteries has become increasingly vital. These monasteries provide not only spiritual guidance but also essential support to those in need. In light of recent events, we are compelled to share the following essay, written by our dedicated team leader, to highlight the urgent need for donations to support these beacons of hope. Please take a moment to read this compelling and heartwarming narrative, which underscores the resilience and compassion of the Mohnyin and Bodhi Tahtaung Monasteries. We hope it inspires you to join us in our mission to support these sacred institutions and the people who depend on them.
The Mohnyin and Bodhi Tahtaung Monasteries stand as beacons of hope and compassion amidst the turmoil in Myanmar. These monastic sites have been providing refuge and sustenance to monks, nuns, lifelong meditators, and villagers displaced by the ongoing conflict. Today, they face unprecedented challenges, and we urgently seek your support to help them continue their noble mission.
Nestled in the Sagaing Region, the Mohnyin Monastery is more than just a spiritual haven; it is a lifeline for the community. Historically significant, it was founded in a forest believed to hold ancient temples built by the Mohnyin King in the 15th century. The monastery’s legacy of meditation and compassion continues under the guidance of its current abbot, who follows the teachings of the revered Mohnyin Sayadaw, one of the most important disciples of the great Ledi Sayadaw.
For years, the Mohnyin Monastery has been feeding not only its resident monks and nuns but also aged meditators and villagers from nearby areas. Recently, the villages of Lezin and Thakkelkyin were burned down in the conflict, leaving many homeless and in desperate need. The monastery has extended its care to these villagers, providing them with food and shelter.
However, this sanctuary is now under threat. Recent reports confirm that 500 of the 700 houses in Lezin were burned to ashes. The monastery itself has been targeted, with artillery strikes causing injuries among the villagers seeking refuge there. Despite these dangers, the monastery remains a pillar of support, embodying the true spirit of metta (loving-kindness).
Bodhi Tahtaung Monastery, another spiritual stronghold, shares a similar plight. It has also been surrounded by armed conflicts, yet it perseveres in its mission to provide spiritual guidance and material support to those in need. The monks here follow the footsteps of the Most Venerable Bodhi Tahtaung Sayadaw, offering solace and sustenance to the displaced and destitute.
Our connection to these monasteries is deeply personal. We have witnessed firsthand the compassion and dedication of the Mohnyin Monastery’s abbot. During our visits, we saw how the monastery’s efforts uplifted the lives of many, including our family members who found peace and purpose within its walls. Now, as the conflict intensifies, we feel compelled to act.
Tragically, my family’s own home in nearby village has been seized and looted by the junta’s troops. Despite this personal loss, we are determined to support these monasteries. They represent hope and resilience, and their survival is crucial for the well-being of many.
We are reaching out to compassionate individuals like you to help us make a meaningful impact. Your donations will directly support the Mohnyin and Bodhi Tahtaung Monasteries, enabling them to continue their essential work. Funds will be used to:
1. **Provide food and shelter** to monks, nuns, and displaced villagers.
2. **Repair and rebuild** structures damaged by the conflict.
3. **Support the abbot's efforts** to offer spiritual guidance and material assistance.
In these challenging times, the spirit of giving can make a profound difference. By supporting the Mohnyin and Bodhi Tahtaung Monasteries, you are not only preserving important cultural and spiritual institutions but also extending a lifeline to those in dire need.