Insight Myanmar Podcast: special episodes on Coronavirus
The onslaught of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting people across the globe, including meditators for whom the Dhamma and inner reflection plays a critical role in life. As the pandemic explodes, the media can scarcely keep up with the pandemic’s impacts on health, politics, culture, economy, as well as myriad other ways it is transforming life around the world. However for yogis, especially those now sheltering at home in their respective countries and for whom Burma has a special place in their hearts, one issue is of particular importance: How are monastics, monasteries, and meditation centers in Myanmar faring in these challenging times? Aside from anecdotal encounters or the random Facebook post, this is not the easiest topic to find information about. Additionally, we hope our potential guests can offer insight, guidance, and inspiration to many of those now home alone during this difficult time.
Because of its wealth of contacts throughout the Burma Dhamma network, the Insight Myanmar podcast has considered producing special episodes examining the “on the ground” reality there. Potential shows would include the following information:
· Updates, news, and information as to how monastic and meditative life in Myanmar is being impacted.
· Personal anecdotes and stories from yogis and monastics currently living in Myanmar.
· Continued possibilities for practice and retreat in Myanmar as the country responds to the growing pandemic.
· Guidance and advice from leading teachers and practitioners on the role of mindfulness during a pandemic.
· Historical studies of how past Burmese monks have responded to crises and disasters in Myanmar, as well as references from the scriptures.
Unfortunately, the generous startup donation that Insight Myanmar Podcast received for our initial run of episodes could not, of course, have predicted the pressing need to cover this exploding health crisis and act as a news conduit for meditators about the situation at Burmese monasteries and meditation centers. For this reason, if you would like to hear podcasts that address this new content, or assist others to be able to access them, please consider making a donation to fund this work.
Most all podcast contributors work entirely as volunteers, and those few receiving remuneration are meditators who have offered 50% or more discount for their professional services. Nonetheless, there is still a basic cost to get this off the ground. We hope to produce an initial run of 5 one-hour episodes, and the approximate cost to fund this is $1,500. Whatever funds we are able to collect now will be used solely for producing these new episodes, and any additional donations will allow us to increase our run.
Thank you for your support. Stay safe and be well!