[Lyikmcmb]

Oliver, thank you for your suggestions in detail. I understand and agree with you on each one of them. I really hope that some buddhists are engaged in any one of them seriously.

Maybe I should have addressed my concern in a more direct way.

In my perspective, Christians seem to be much more attentive to disasters and conflicts than buddhists are. Christians act swiftly to help people in need, just like helping their own brothers and sisters.

Buddhists are much more focused on cultivating their inner qualities. Maybe it is everything that Buddhism is about. They even seem disinterested in actively helping people who are tragically affected by disasters or conflicts.

I know that I should not generalize too much, but this is a weakness that I see in Buddhism today. That is why I admire the idea of Engaged Buddhism by Thich Nhat Hanh, who lived through the Vietnam War as a Buddhist monk.

I was wondering if someone in this forum would voice his/her good intention to do something about this conflict, or at least develop some interest in it. It may be happening in a remote place, but when I contemplate on the suffering that these Rohingyas and Burmese may be going through, I feel it like being in a hell.

Hi CompassionGiver,
IMO, the reason Christians seem more involved in disasters etc. is because of their belief system. Christians believe that you only have one shot at salvation and that is in this life. You must believe in Christ now or suffer an eternity in hell. This creates a sense of urgency to reach those who need the "gospel" and who would listen to what you have to say easier than the person you just saved from starvation or rebuilt their home, etc. Most of what Christians do from a charity perspective is a means to proselytize.

In Buddhism we see that there are many chances, many lives to accomplish salvation (enlightenment).

I'm not sure what I could do about what is going on in Myanmar? What could you do? If you walk into the middle of a cultural situation that you know nothing about you could make things worse not better.

Dukkha is everywhere not just Myanmar. (1st Noble Truth) How do we stop Dukkha? Follow the 8 Fold Path. (4th Noble Truth)

Buddhists focus on our "inner qualities" because we know that the only way for Dukkha to stop is by this focus.

1. Right view
2. Right intention
3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelihood
6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration

If you look at each of these you will see that they all start with what is considered "inner qualities". Actually there are no inner qualities as opposed to outer qualities.

If you attach to injustice that is happening in Myanmar or anywhere for that matter, you have abandoned the Path. See the injustice and try to help but do not attach.

We practice Dana (generosity) as Buddhist for many reasons but the best Dana is that which has no reason, no giver, no gift, no one to receive the gift. Dana includes giving of all types including of ourselves. Many times we focus on what is happening over there and miss what we should be doing here and now. It's easier to rail against injustice on the other side of the world rather than realize that we mistreat those we contact every day.

If one person attains enlightenment that is of far greater good for the world than if you feed a million. One person set free from the three poisons (greed, hate, delusion) can have a greater impact than you could imagine. (i.e. The Buddha!) What is the cause of the problems in Myanmar? It's one of the poisons, greed, hate or delusion. It may be all of them.

Matthew 7:3 "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" Jesus was speaking of the 3rd poison of delusion here. Buddhist should focus on personal attainment because that is the only way to solve the worlds problems, one person at a time, and the only person I can change is ME!

Hands Palm to Palm,
Rhysman