The Monks of Burma Step Up

Buddhist monks are distributing food and other aid in Burma (Myanmar), in spite of the government's obstruction. Aung Hla Tun reports for Reuters,

With foreign agencies on a tight leash and only a trickle of relief coming in from the military government, the Buddhist monkhood has become a major conduit for help to the 2.5 million people left clinging to survival in the Irrawaddy delta.

The monks' moral authority allows them to go where bigger international relief organizations cannot, transporting food, clothing and clean water where it is needed without interference by soldiers. The relief effort is headed by the Venerable Sayadaw Ashin Nyanissara, a 73-year-old Buddhist teacher and humanitarian. Late last week the Venerable Nyanissara told reporters "We have distributed over 100 tonnes of rice and more than 3,000 tin roofing sheets so far. We are trying to distribute more."

As of this writing I know of two Buddhist organizations with contacts in the Burma sangha that are accepting donations for Burma. These are International Burmese Monks Organization and the Buddhist Peace Fellowship/Foundation for the People of Burma.