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Monks Provide Myanmar Relief

They offer comfort to 2.4 million struggling to survive

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 31, 2008 10:50 AM CDT
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(Newser) – In the wake of Burma’s cyclone, Buddhist monks have become the only source of comfort—both “material” and “spiritual”—for many thousands of homeless and destitute who have been abandoned by the government, the New York Times reports. “Monks are like parents to us. The government wants us to shut up, but monks listen to us,” says one cyclone survivor.

Strengthening the traditional bond between monks and laypeople, who give them alms in return for blessings, monks have opened health clinics for survivors and offered their monasteries for shelter. “In a time of immense suffering like this,” says one monk, “people have nowhere to go except to monks.” But religious leaders are forced to balance their efforts with a fear of crackdowns from an already hostile government.

Monks and homeless villagers gather at the monastery of Kyi Bui Khaw village, in Pyapon, a town in the Irrawaddy delta of Burma, on Sunday, May 11, 2008.
Monks and homeless villagers gather at the monastery of Kyi Bui Khaw village, in Pyapon, a town in the Irrawaddy delta of Burma, on Sunday, May 11, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Cyclone survivors queue for the rice from the local donator at a monastery on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Tuesday, May 27, 2008.
Cyclone survivors queue for the rice from the local donator at a monastery on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Tuesday, May 27, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Local donators prepare the bags of rice to the cyclone survivor at a monastery on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Tuesday, May 27, 2008.
Local donators prepare the bags of rice to the cyclone survivor at a monastery on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Tuesday, May 27, 2008.   (AP Photo)
A Buddhist monk speaks to homeless Burmese lining up to receive candy from an overseas donator at a monastery on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Monday, May 26, 2008.
A Buddhist monk speaks to homeless Burmese lining up to receive candy from an overseas donator at a monastery on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Monday, May 26, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Homeless Burmese line up to receive candy and medicine at a monastery serving as a temporary shelter for cyclone victims on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Monday, May 26, 2008.
Homeless Burmese line up to receive candy and medicine at a monastery serving as a temporary shelter for cyclone victims on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Monday, May 26, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Cyclone refugees take shelter in a monastery during an afternoon downpour in Pyinmagon village on an island in Burma's Irrawaddy Delta, Thursday, May 29, 2008.
Cyclone refugees take shelter in a monastery during an afternoon downpour in Pyinmagon village on an island in Burma's Irrawaddy Delta, Thursday, May 29, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Cyclone survivors drink clean water from the local donator at a monastery on the outskirts of Rangoon, Burma, Tuesday, May 27, 2008.
Cyclone survivors drink clean water from the local donator at a monastery on the outskirts of Rangoon, Burma, Tuesday, May 27, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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Relief workers face logistical troubles
CNN

US ships may quit refused Burma effort
Reuters

Scrounging for food in Burma
Los Angeles Times

 
homeless • Myanmar • Burma • Buddhist monks • survivors • Cyclone Nargis • emergency aid

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