Meditate for Peace and Democracy in Burma

Welcome to the launching of the blog "By my hand and heart alone...".

We are deeply dismayed to see the military crackdown on Buddhist monks, nuns and other protestors in Burma. We want to show our solidarity with the Burmese people as they strive for freedom.

We intend to serve as a clearinghouse for information on the protests from a Buddhist perspective, and let individual citizens know what specific actions they can take to make a difference. Our main website is: www.buddhistrelief.org .

We will use this blog to provide constant updates so that you may be informed of ways you can make a difference. You CAN make a difference. The following event has just been announced:

Meditate for Peace and Democracy in Burma

Thursday, October 4, 2007

5:00-8:00 pm

In Front of the Embassy of Myanmar

2300 S Street, NW, Washington DC 20008

Like many around the world, we are moved and shaken by the recent events in Burma. The poignant stories and scenes — peaceful demonstrations led by monks and nuns, protected by lay supporters, the use of brute force and violence by the military resulting in many deaths — have given rise to strong and often conflicting feelings of concern, hope, frustration and rage.

Amidst the turmoil of these powerful emotions, we feel an urgent need to look for ways to not only nurture compassion and loving kindness that brings peace to our own hearts and minds but also express solidarity with the people of Burma in their just struggle for peace and democracy.

Please join us in our Meditation for Peace and Democracy in Burma on Thursday October 4, 2007 in front of the Burmese embassy in Washington, DC. The meditation will focus on loving kindness, directed to:

· Honor the Buddhist monks and nuns who have taken leadership to end oppression and hardship under the military dictatorship

· Honor the many who lost their lives in their acts of courageous defiance

· Honor the hundreds who are injured, imprisoned, and tortured

· Show solidarity with the people of Burma in their noble cause

· Fill the hearts and minds of soldiers with compassion

· Free the constricted minds and hearts of the generals of destructive greed, insecurity, and fear

· Encourage the international community, particularly those nations that have influence with the Burmese generals, to do all in their power to help bring about peace and democracy in Burma

Please wear red/maroon shawl or covering and feel free to bring meditation cushions. We will provide mats, candles, and tea.

MEDITATION FOR PEACE AND DEMOCRACY IN BURMA

Thursday October 4, 2007

PROGRAM

5:00 Gather in front of the Embassy of Myanmar

Lighting of Candles

5:30 Welcome statement

5:45 Meditation—Session I

6:30 Tea Break

6:45 Meditation—Session II

7:30 Closing

Contacts for the Event on October 4, 2007: Alex Ergo alex_ergo@hotmail.com cell: 240-422-3039; Hnin Hnin Pyne: h2pyne@yahoo.com cell: 240-481-9805