BGR NEWS + TEACHINGS
Get Out and Vote
BGR began in 2008 when a small group of us—myself along with some friends and students—discussed the need for Buddhists to take on a more active role in tackling the momentous challenges facing humanity in a world that still sees glaring violations of the decrees of social and economic justice. As a result of our discussions, we decided to form an organization that could help people in need escape the scourge of devastating poverty and food insecurity.
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.
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.
