Burma….what else can I say? Something has to be done. I’ve tried several times to write something here about it, but I just can’t find the words. People are dying, for no good reason (As if there could be a good reason). Since I am having a hard time finding the words, let me promote some things that others have said. First, The Sakyong, Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche, head of the Shambhala Buddhist lineage requested Shambhala President Richard Reoch write to the UN Secretary General, the following:

___________________________________
His Excellency
Ban Ki-moon
Secretary General
The United Nations
New York

26 September 2007

Your Excellency,

I have the honour to address you on behalf of The Sakyong, Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche, head of the Shambhala Buddhist lineage -­ an ancient tradition whose aspiration is to create enlightened society on earth. The royal seat of Shambhala is held by a successive line of Sakyongs (literally “Earth Protectors”) devoted to the protection, well-being and spiritual care of our world.

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, together with the global community of Buddhist practitioners, has followed with deepening concern the events unfolding in Myanmar (Burma). This concern is shared by people of all faiths around the world, and by more and more governments. The threat and use of violence against unarmed monastics and civilians in that country has led the Security Council of the United Nations to focus its attention on these worsening developments. Already there are reports of violent attacks that have resulted in serious injuries and possible fatalities.

At the same time, we understand that the sangha of monks in Myanmar (Burma) has maintained its deep commitment to non-violence. Monastics have urged the civilian population not to resort to violence if provoked. They have repeatedly stated that, as followers of the Buddhist path, they are determined to address the deep social issues in their country using peaceful means.

It is imperative, not only for the well-being and stability of that nation, but also for the world as a whole, that the international community make every effort to restrain the forces of violence and take all appropriate measures to uphold the internationally recognized rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and the exercise of human conscience.

In making this appeal, the Sakyong wishes to make clear that the issue facing humanity is not a question of taking sides in a country’s internal dispute. It is a question of how we, as people everywhere, learn to resolve our differences and disputes. We stand at a crossroads in history: we can either choose the nightmare of violence or take upon ourselves the challenge of peace. It is vital that the world’s primary international forum, the United Nations, give a clear signal that the way forward for humanity and our planet must be the choice of peace.

The Sakyong prays, as the leader of a global Buddhist community, that the wisdom and compassion that are inherent in all humanity, will enable you, as the foremost peacekeeper of the world, to guide the community of nations towards a patient, just, and sane resolution of the current crisis.

In the hope that we may walk together on the path that leads to the cessation of all suffering, I remain yours, sincerely and respectfully,

Richard Reoch
President of Shambhala

_____________________________________

I encourage everyone to visit the website for The US Campaign For Burma, and let your voice be heard.  Also check out some of the posts on The Buddist Blog.