Rebuilding Lives Amid Ashes
Sayadaw U Zatila is a respected figure in Myanmar’s Buddhist community, particularly for his humanitarian efforts and educational initiatives. Born in Kanphyu village, on the Ayeyarwaddy River’s west bank, he received his education at Maha Gandayone and Aung Mingalar Buddhist Institute, and furthered his training at Panditarama, one of Myanmar’s prominent meditation centers. U Zatila now leads the Kyun Pin Monastery, which has become a center for both meditation and community support; he has also spent time teaching in San Jose, California.
Kyun Pin Sayadaw appeared as a guest on a past podcast episode. He explained how the military attacked his meditation center during an intensive retreat, as they suspected that democratic supporters might be hiding there. Over the course of two days, the military bombarded neighboring villages with mortars and rockets, ultimately invading the monastery grounds, breaking into female kutis and storming into the Dhamma Hall. Amidst the chaos and terror, the soldiers were surprised to find the meditators calmly sitting in silence, which diffused their initial aggression. Despite the overwhelming fear and destruction, Sayadaw U Zatila bravely confronted the soldiers directly, explaining that no fighters were present, only yogis engaged in peaceful meditation, and that they should not be treating civilians in this matter.
Following our interview, Sayadaw U Zatila established a group called the “Social Support Programme of Myanmar Sanghas” (SSPMS) to address the needs of displaced communities affected by conflict. SSPMS is a collaborative effort of monks and nuns from rural Sagaing to counter the military’s rampage through the countryside, burning homes and displacing families. In just one example of the military’s campaign of terror, the village of Kyun Pin, home to U Zatila’s monastery, suffered a brutal attack earlier this year. Soldiers, operating in groups, systematically set fire to 155 households; only 65 were left untouched by the flames. The widespread destruction has left the majority of the village's residents homeless, exacerbating the need for immediate and effective intervention.
SSPMS responds as effectively as possible to communities in distress such as Kyun Pin. They provide essential supplies such as rice, cooking oil, kitchenware, clothing, and other necessities. Financial aid is also extended to monasteries facing food shortages. The program has already assisted over tens of thousands of people in critical ways. We are proud to share that Better Burma has partnered with their extraordinary efforts, as we have consistently been allocating resources from our donation fund to help their efforts. This is a region that has faced much in the way of difficulties, yet few resources have managed to reach them.
One key aspect of the initiative is the construction of temporary shelters for displaced families. Prioritizing elderly individuals and families unable to rebuild their homes, they have built many temporary huts, made of locally- sourced materials were under construction across dozens of villages.
A particularly heart-wrenching case is that of an elderly woman, affectionately known as "Bwar Nyein." She tragically lost her son, daughter, and home in attacks that devastated her village. Your support allowed us to provide a temporary shelter for her; tragically, the military destroyed this, too. Finally, the local team built a small house for her, offering her a semblance of security and dignity in the wake of her losses.
The deteriorating security situation has made transportation increasingly hazardous. The use of cars and motorcycles without permission now poses a significant risk of being targeted by military forces, leading to fatalities. As a result, the delivery of aid and essential supplies has had to rely on boats and small ships, which, while safer, also limits the speed and volume of aid that can be provided.
The need for support in Myanmar's conflict-stricken regions has never been greater! Through the efforts of Social Support Programme of Myanmar Sanghas, a significant number of displaced families have already been supplied refuge, temporary shelter, and essential supplies, though the needs continue to grow as more villages are destroyed and families are left with nothing.
The camps housing displaced persons now include many elderly individuals, who are particularly vulnerable to the harsh conditions and health challenges in these makeshift shelters. Ensuring their safety and well-being is a priority, requiring specialized attention in the distribution of food, medical care, and warm clothing.
By donating to this vital cause, you will not only be helping provide immediate relief, but also ensuring the continuity of these humanitarian efforts led by the Sangha. Your contribution will enable the construction of more shelters, supply critical food and medical aid, and offer hope to those enduring unimaginable hardship.
Every bit of help brings a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most, and no contribution is too small. Please consider making a donation today to support the Sangha in their ongoing mission of compassion and relief!
