Author Archives: Metta In Action
High and Dry
The work that Burmese nuns do is wonderful, inspiring, sometimes surprising, and always a source of joy. Yesterday we went up to the village of Nwe Kwe, to a group of nunneries that we have been supporting for a decade. … Continue reading
For These Nuns, It’s a Happy New Year
We wish you a Happy New Year~ And a successful one — may all your endeavors and aspirations be easily accomplished, just like those of the young nuns from Sayanagonyee Nunnery. Six took an oral and written exam in Pali … Continue reading
What Can $100 Do?
Yesterday I walked down the Shwe Oo Min Road, to meet a crowd of generous friends who wanted to pass their donations to us. Mats and Magdalena, bringing their personal offering and the bountiful gifts from the Sangha in Sweden; … Continue reading
Endless Benevolence
We usually translate the Pali word metta as ‘loving-kindness,’ but it can equally be rendered as ‘well-wishing,’ or ‘benevolence.’ Whatever word you use, the way it manifests is the same — kind and caring wishes and actions toward living beings. … Continue reading
Gifts of Life
I was reminded the other day about Christmas. Which was funny, because I had forgotten all about it. Here at the monastery, it’s easy to do that — we live entirely outside of that cultural and religious bubble. But I … Continue reading
Stories from the Road
As Marjo and I were walking down the Shwe Oo Min Road a few weeks ago, I found myself wondering just how many times we had gone down this same street in the last decade, on our way to offer … Continue reading
Being Family
When Marjo and I offered your dana to Daw Yuzana for the Metta Ywa Nunnery and School in early December, she gave me the wonderful gift of a bolt of cotton fabric that had come from Bodh Gaya. So I … Continue reading
Vision and Vitality
Hospitals. We tend to take them for granted. In most places, if we have a health crisis at home or at work, a hospital is within easy reach by car or ambulance. And many of us who live in or … Continue reading
Adding Kindness to the World
Marjo is on her way home, after a whirlwind few days of visits and donations. The visits we make this time of year are as much a joy as the donations, as we take the time to reconnect, see what’s … Continue reading
2019-2020 Donations are Underway
We – Ayya Virañani and Marjo, who are now in Yangon – are thrilled to begin distributing your donations from this year. It brings us great joy to be the conduits and messengers of your metta, knowing that whatever you … Continue reading