Rev. Danny Fisher

Via Aaron Lachowski over at the Tricycle Editors’ Blog: The Clear View Project has begun a new “Adopt a Monk” program to bring international attention to the plights of Buddhist political prisoners in Burma. They write:

Currently there are approximately 220 monks and 8 nuns in prison in Burma, almost all arrested after the 2007 Saffron Revolution. Living under one of the most repressive regimes in the world, these monks and nuns braved death to call attention to the suffering of their people. Chanting the sutra of loving kindness, they walked, one hundred thousand strong, through the streets of cities across the country. The brutal crackdown that followed left untold numbers dead and thousands imprisoned.

Many of the monks have received lengthy prison sentences some totaling up to 68 years. In prison, monks and nuns are forcibly disrobed and are unable to follow the Vinaya, the monastic code of conduct. Most are tortured. Their sentences mean deprivation, humiliation, torture, meager meals, and almost no medical care. To survive in prison, monks and nuns depend on their families to bring them food, medicine, money, and love. However, many are sent to remote prisons or labor camps far from their families.

Clear View Project’s new program invites you to “Adopt a Monk” to help bring attention to the false imprisonment of the monks and nuns in Burma. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners of Burma (AAPPB), reports that when the international community shines a light of attention on particular prisoners, their lot improves. When one prisoner’s life improves, hope is restored.

Adopt a Monk – How it Works

• Contact Clear View Project to choose a monk or nun.
  
• Send regular letters on his/her behalf to the United Nations, Burmese Generals, & US government.
  
• Send funds to buy more food & medicine for that monk. (details follow)
  
• Hold monthly meditations at your center or public vigils in honor of the monk or all imprisoned monastics.
  
• Send loving kindness to the monks & nuns, their families and the Burmese generals.
  Monks inside & outside of Burma continue to risk their lives by educating & organizing in order to help their people.

  Contact Margaret Howe at Clear View Project:
  margaret@clearviewproject.org / 707-360-8452