Herman Melville once wrote, “If not against us, nature is not for us.” It’s easy this week to believe him correct.
The sheer enormity of what has happened in Asia has yet to register completely in my brain. When it comes to processing the human loss, which is about to top 100,000 initial deaths, my mind is not up to the task.
I have been in touch with my Sri Lankan monks. They are in good spirits relative to what has happened. Venerable Chandrasiri has left for California and will be carrying aid directly to Sri Lanka in the middle of January. I don’t want to think about what happened to his temple, monastery and school in Galle. It was one of the places in Sri Lanka hit worst by the tsunami, and the site of the horrific rail disaster.
This is all truly beyond description.
If you wish to help, and want to make a donation that you know will reach Sri Lanka in the hands of a Buddhist monk, meaning not a cent is wasted, consider sending your donation to:
Maittri Buddhist Vihara
Attn: Venerable Pallebage Chandrasiri Thero
10819 Penrose Street
Sun Valley, CA 91352
But you must act quickly, as Venerable Chandrasiri will leave soon. If you do not have time to get a donation to him, consider one of these other charities. All of them have an excellent track record:
If donating to a Buddhist charity, remember that clothing, food and such will be difficult to transport. It is better to donate money, and let them help the local economies of affected areas by using your donation to purchase needed items from local sources.
If you cannot afford to give money, consider going to your local vihara, temple, church, ashram or mosque. Be thankful for what you have. Send prayers to those affected.
Anything you do, you do to yourself. – Sakyamuni Buddha