BGR NEWS + TEACHINGS
The Persistence of Poverty is a Political Choice
By Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi • “The Parlous State of Poverty Eradication,” a report issued on behalf of the UN’s Human Rights Council, explodes the comforting myth that humanity is finally on the verge of eradicating extreme poverty.
From Tragedy Springs Hope: Reflections on the Killing of George Floyd
By Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi • The police killing of George Floyd this past Memorial Day has set off a stream of protests in cities and towns across the U.S., and even around the world, united under the banner of “Black Lives Matter.” The murder, captured on video by a passing pedestrian, reveals the horror of racism in its terrible immediacy. Floyd’s dying words, “I can’t breathe,” followed by his silence, leave us shocked at witnessing such a naked display of cruelty taking place in broad daylight in a major American city, committed by an officer of the law.
BGR Provides Food Relief during COVID-19 Pandemic
Over the past two and a half months, beginning in late March, BGR has donated over $45,000 to support communities, both globally and nationally, adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Emergency Relief Assistance to Sri Lanka
On March 31st BGR donated $1,000 to the Karuna Trust in Sri Lanka, which has been distributing parcels of dry rations to poor families hit hard by the strict curfew imposed in the country on account of COVID-19.
Virtual Walk to Feed the Hungry May 24-31
When our New Jersey Spring Walk could not happen in person this May because of the pandemic, our NJ Walk coordinator, Deborah Steincolor, worked in partnership with several East Coast spiritual organizations to create a beautiful series of Dharma events benefiting Buddhist Global Relief and local food pantries.
Poor People’s Campaign: A Digital March on Washington
On June 20 and 21, the Poor People's Campaign will host a virtual march to "address the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, militarism, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism." The hope is that by uniting the millions of people who struggle each day just to get by, who lack health insurance, living wages access to clean water, and secure voting rights, we can move forward the moral and political imagination of this country and revive the heart of American democracy.
Responsibly Facing the Pandemic
By Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi • Not only does the pandemic bring illness, death, and economic hardship to many, but wherever it spreads it sows the seeds of fear and discord. It is fomenting nationalism and racism and divides populations up on the basis of economic, social, and racial privilege.
The Coronavirus Contains Its Own Medicine
By Paul Levy • The coronavirus is a living revelation that is dying to show us something about who we are and our place in the universe. What it is revealing to us is crucially important for us to know. Our very survival depends upon receiving its message.
Rice Support for Students in Cambodia
Through its partnership with Lotus Outreach International, BGR is helping provide poor girls in Cambodia—and their families—with rice support, thereby enabling them to continue their education through high school and even to pursue university degrees. The rice often feeds the girls’ parents and siblings as well, and the cost savings can benefit entire families.
A European Offshoot of BGR
By Raimund Hopf • A European Buddhist organization, Mitgefühl in Aktion (Compassion in Action), has recently been established with the intention of partnering with BGR in support of our hunger-relief and education projects. The organization represents Buddhists in three German-language countries of Europe: Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
