Ingyinbin Humanitarian Relief Project: An Update
We would like to provide an update on the Ingyinbin Humanitarian Relief Project and our ongoing efforts to support villagers who have lost everything. Last month, the military junta unleashed a brutal campaign in Khin-U Township, torching villages like Ingyinbin, and the local monastery was ransacked. Many monks and nuns fled, leaving only a few residents. U Mandala, the monastery’s leader, had to leave due to illness, further destabilizing the community. As military raids continue, fear and destruction grip the area.
Ingyinbin holds significant cultural and historical importance, as it is the birthplace of Webu Sayadaw, one of Myanmar's most revered meditation masters. Webu Sayadaw was known for his unwavering focus on meditation practice and the direct path to enlightenment, emphasizing simplicity and devotion to the Dhamma. His influence on the spread of Vipassana meditation has left a lasting legacy not only in Myanmar but around the world. The village of Ingyinbin, having such a rich spiritual heritage, is now facing immense challenges, and it is crucial that we stand by its people during this difficult time.
In recent discussions with Ashin Mandala, we addressed the dire needs of these villagers, particularly the need for food, which remains their primary concern. Although Ashin Mandala and his team provided initial assistance with rice and essential supplies shortly after the fires devastated their homes, the challenges facing these families persist. Many are struggling to secure consistent access to food, rebuild their livelihoods, and find stable shelter. The trauma of losing everything, combined with the uncertainty of their future, has made it difficult for them to regain a sense of normalcy. The need for continued support is clear, as recovery remains a daunting task.
In Ingyinbin village, fifty-seven families lost their homes completely in the fire. Currently, most of these families are staying in two school buildings that Ashin Mandala generously donated to the village some years ago. A few other families are residing in an unfinished clinic building that, fortunately, has a completed roof, while just a small number of families are staying with relatives. The emotional toll of such a loss cannot be overstated, as families face the heartbreak of losing their homes and the struggle to find a sense of stability and normalcy in the aftermath.
As Ashin Mandala himself noted, "It's still hard for them to recover from this loss and to restore their normal life. It took about 20 years for them to build a house – so at the moment, they are still trying to be resilient mentally first. I would like to help them with food, preferably, which is their main need."
Understanding the importance of ensuring that these families have enough to eat, we are planning another donation of food supplies. Each family will receive a portion of rice, as well as cooking oil to sustain them during this difficult time. Ashin Mandala and his trustees will oversee the distribution of these supplies and procure the materials locally, given the current accessibility of the road to Khin-U. The uncertainty of road conditions in the coming weeks, due to the ongoing monsoon season and potential military activity, emphasizes the need for prompt action.
Our mission is to help ease the burden on these families as they navigate the overwhelming challenges of displacement and loss. We understand that the road ahead is long, filled with obstacles not just of physical reconstruction but also emotional healing. Rebuilding their homes and livelihoods will take time, but we want to ensure they do not face these challenges alone. Though their homes have been reduced to ashes, the spirit of resilience within the community remains strong. We hope that this contribution of food will help them on their journey to recovery, providing not only sustenance but also a reminder that they are supported by a wider community that cares deeply for their well-being. Our intention is to remind them that even in these dark times, there are people standing by them, ready to assist in any way possible.
The compassion and dedication of Ashin Mandala and his team have been instrumental in this ongoing relief effort. We would also like to acknowledge the generosity of the meditators who have contributed to the donation fund. These contributions are being applied directly to the relief effort, and we will continue to provide updates as the situation progresses. If you feel moved to support this cause further, additional donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated!