News

Buddhist Statement on Separating Immigrant Families

The Buddhist Humanitarian Project condemns the recently imposed policy of separating immigrant children from their parents at the US-Mexican border.  The Soto Zen Buddhist Association has organized a letter and petition to Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen condemning this policy. We ask you to sign the petition and share widely with your friends and community. You can also download a copy of the statement here. “As people of faith and conscience, we feel that it is important that we Read more…

By Buddhist Humanitarian Project, ago

Ashin Issariya signs the Letter to the Myanmar State Sangha

Last week, Ashin Issariya added his name to the letter to the Myanmar State Sangha, urging them to condemn the violence against the Rohingya people. Ashin Issariya, also known as “King Zero,” was a prominent organizer during Myanmar’s “Saffron Revolution,” and we are honored to stand in solidarity with him. Ashin Issariya learned about our efforts through Larry Steele of the Shambhala Seattle Center. Steele recently visited Ashin Issariya at Wimoteti Thuka Monastery in Myanmar (pictured right), Read more…

By Buddhist Humanitarian Project, ago

Richard Reoch in Lion’s Roar — “Meditating on the Buddha in the midst of Buddhist Terror”

Richard Reoch, former president of Shambhala, has written an article for Lion’s Roar about his trip to the Rohingya refugee camps outside of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.  In the article, Richard grapples with how Buddhists in Myanmar could condone, even encourage, violence against the Rohingya people. “The Buddha was no stranger to genocide,” he writes. “His own people, the Sakyas, were the victims of mass slaughter. One of the final acts of his life, recounted in Read more…

By Buddhist Humanitarian Project, ago

May 6th Event at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery

Sea of Suffering: The Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar (Burma) Join us on Sunday, May 6th, at the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery for a documentary film screening, panel discussion, and slide shows about the international human rights and refugee crisis, and civil society and faith-based organizations efforts to build peace. Film screening Sittwe, an award-winning short about two teenagers, Buddhist and Rohingya, affected by conflict and Amae, Thamee, Ama (Mother, Daughter, Sister), work-in-progress about women affected by state sponsored Read more…

By Buddhist Humanitarian Project, ago

End the Buddhist Terror in Myanmar Now — Article from Religious News Service

The Religious New Service published a piece by Hozan Alan Senauke, recounting his experiences in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.  The need for aid and support is paramount, writes Senauke. “This is vital, not just for the Rohingya people, but for other ethnic minorities in Myanmar — the Kachin, Shan, Karen and others — who likewise face murder and scorched earth. The Rohingyas and these minorities want the same things: safety and Read more…

By Buddhist Humanitarian Project, ago