A Watershed in the Modern Expression of Buddhism

Many people hang on to the stereotype of Buddhists as passive navel-gazers, self-absorbed meditators who can't be bothered to stand up from beneath their trees to help others in need or to take a stand on social issues.

It gives me pleasure to introduce Buddhist Global Relief, (BGR) an interdenominational community of Buddhists and friends of Buddhism who seek to give concrete expression to the Buddha's great compassion as an on-going project in the contemporary world.

Founding visionary Bhikkhu Bodhi, wrote this about BGR in Buddhadharma in the Fall issue of 2007:

"The special challenge facing Buddhism in  our age is to stand up as an advocate for justice in the world. A voice of conscience for those victims of social, economic, and political injustice who cannot stand up and speak for themselves. This, in my view, is a deeply moral challenge marking a watershed in the modern expression of Buddhism."

The mission of Buddhist Global Relief is to provide relief to the poor and needy throughout the world regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, or religion. Bearing in mind the Buddha’s statements that “hunger is the worst kind of illness” and “the gift of food is the gift of life,” BGR especially focuses on providing food aid to those afflicted by hunger and lack of food security. Its long-range goal, however, is to combat all the manifestations of poverty that detract from the inherent dignity of human life.

Click here to watch a slide show explaining the scope and function of Buddhist Global Relief.

Here is a pdf of Helping Hands, the newsletter of BGR for you to download..Download HH_V01N02_summer

Let the Lotus of Compassion enfold the world!

Comments

[Purity]

i love him, he is a great ppl

[Purity]

i almost cry

[jensen]

Thank you very much Dharma master Heng Sure for introducing me this Buddhist global Relief. I used to donate money through christian organization, salvation army, but now, I could practice giving and help people in the name of the Buddha. May all beings free from suffering and attain ultimate bliss. Namo Amitabha Buddha.

[Trishna]

I think it's wonderful to see Eastern religions get involved in directly helping people in need to address this concern many people have about these religions being very inwardly focused. Wonderful to see religions evolve as the world does too :)

[Eveline]

Just wondering...is it vegetarian food that is donated? But I'm open to anything. :)