Buddhist Compassion in Action: Ling Jiou Mountain Aids Myanmar Earthquake-affected
(中央社訊息服務20250402 14:02:19)Following the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28th near Mandalay, Ling Jiou Mountain (LJM) swiftly initiated emergency relief efforts to bring warmth and aid to the affected regions. Venerable Master Hsin Tao, the Myanmar-born founder of LJM, immediately expressed deep concern and mobilized the Buddhist organization to respond to the devastating disaster.
The magnitude of the earthquake, with its epicenter near Myanmar’s second-largest city, unleashed violent tremors, instantly reducing homes to rubble and tragically claiming countless lives. The aftermath has left scenes of despair, with persistent aftershocks, widespread power and internet outages, and severely damaged roads hindering rescue operations. The journey from Yangon to Mandalay has become significantly extended, posing a major challenge for the delivery of essential aid.
Despite the widespread devastation, LJM’s Yangon Meditation Center and Naung Mon Samanera School in Myanmar remain safe. Venerable Master Hsin Tao, guided by the principle "Wherever there is suffering, that is where we go," immediately led a lamp-lighting prayer ceremony at Sheng Shan Monastery, calling upon the community for collective mantra chanting and merit dedication for the earthquake-affected. The organization also promptly established the "Myanmar Disaster Relief Project" to coordinate and implement aid.
Prioritizing immediate needs, LJM’s local team began setting up temporary shelters along the Yangon-Mandalay transit route on March 30th, providing free porridge and warm meals to residents of over a dozen villages, ensuring they received essential sustenance. This crucial intervention offered not only physical relief but also a sense of comfort and stability amidst the hardship caused by the extensive damage to local infrastructure.
Since April 1st, LJM volunteers have been working diligently to assess local needs and procure urgently required supplies. Essential provisions, including temporary tents, rain covers, mosquito nets, and infant formula, were secured in Yangon and personally distributed to affected regions. Simultaneously, a second batch of aid, encompassing a range of necessities, is being transported from Taiwan and Thailand to provide further assistance to survivors, ensuring that every act of compassion translates into practical support.
Beyond immediate relief, Ling Jiou Mountain is committed to the long-term recovery of Myanmar. The organization will dedicate resources to post-disaster reconstruction and provide spiritual care, assisting survivors in rebuilding their lives and reigniting hope for the future.
"Compassion knows no borders, and kindness is the light of hope," stated Venerable Master Hsin Tao. LJM appeals to the global community to extend their kindness and generosity to the people of Myanmar, offering blessings and support during this critical time. Through collective goodwill, this tragedy can be transformed into an opportunity for love and hope to flourish.
