A Call to Meditators: A Time for Gratitude!
A call to meditators who have benefited from the spiritual light that the Golden Land has provided!
Sadly, we are now closing in on a year since the military launched its disastrous coup in Myanmar, which plunged the country into a quagmire of terror and bloodshed. Doctors are beaten to death in broad daylight, children are burned alive, villages are strafed by aerial bombing, thousands are fleeing into forests for safety, journalists are being captured and tortured to death… the dark list just goes on and on. I know how disheartening it can be to tune into current news of the on-going situation. There certainly is little to feel uplifted by now. Yet many of us who have benefitted so greatly from our connection to Myanmar continue to feel that it is our duty to remain up-to-date and involved as best we can.
However, as important as it is to stay informed about the current situation and provide whatever support we can manage, there is a risk that news coverage is beginning to turn the country and people of Myanmar into a one-dimensional caricature of just another poor country, in a poor region of the world, going through endless suffering. Those of us who have spent time here, or who have benefited from a meditation tradition whose lineage traces back to Myanmar, we know how far this is from being the case, and that it has is so much more to offer!
A few months ago, we explored the spiritual wealth of Myanmar in a podcast episode called The Taste of Dhamma. We spoke to three foreigners who share their time as a practitioner in the country: a Mexican monk, a British nun, and a Brazilian lay meditator. We would like to continue telling stories like theirs so that our now-broader audience can learn more about this other deep, rich side to the country. I believe this is especially pertinent now, when the underlying role of how the Buddha’s teachings impact Burmese society is so poorly understood by most in the media, who regard the very question with indifference or perhaps even discomfort.
To meet this goal, we are beginning an ongoing project to share the stories of meditators, travelers, and practitioners around the world, to counterbalance the deluge of inhumane stories coming at us from the other direction. We hope you might be willing to consider sharing a story or two about how your experiences in the country, or within a Myanmar-related tradition or community, has impacted your life! Help us to bring out the color, depth, life, and inspiration of this magical country.
For example, I’m sure that those many of you who have come to Myanmar know about the boundless generosity and giving of Burmese hosts. Personally speaking, I cannot recall how many monasteries I visited for a just few days, but where I was invited and welcomed to stay for the rest of my life, with a promise that all my basic needs would be provided for! And I'm confident that many of you have similar stories. This is what we hope to hear.
But your submissions could go in many different directions! You could write an anecdote, reflection, or inspiration, etc. And if writing stories or reflectionis not your thing, you could submit poetry, voice recordings, videos, artwork, or anything else—the sky’s the limit! You could focus on a pilgrimage, say, or a meditation course, or a monastery stay, or individuals or teachers you met, or share how generosity or engaged action has become an integral part of your practice, inspired by your experiences in the Golden Land…almost literally, anything! There is no minimum or maximum length requirements, and you can share your piece with attribution, or anonymously, however you prefer.
There are so many ways to give. Financial contributions are of course always welcome, but this is not a solicitation letter for monetary donations. Simply taking a moment to sit down and offer your reflection is a genuine way to show appreciation to the country and the people for whatever spiritual gifts you have gained, and at the same time helps to get such stories out into the world. The unconditional giving that animates Buddhist culture in Myanmar can be our model and our muse, allowing us to give back in whatever ways we have at our disposal. Simply telling your story is one of those ways. Let’s hear them!
To offer your submission, or ask any questions, shoot us an email, or fill out the form below. Additionally, we would welcome you sharing this request on to your own local Sangha, meditation group, or community. And thanking you in advance for being willing to participate in this project!