BPF Statement on the Sichuan Earthquake

The 7.9 magnitude earthquake in China’s southwestern Sichuan Province is another natural blow to the peoples of Asia.  As of May 13, more than 15,000 have been confirmed dead, but given the scale of destruction — the collapse of schools, factories, hospitals, and apartment blocks, the apparent loss of entire towns in the countryside — the numbers of lives lost will certainly go much higher.

Buddhist Peace Fellowship sends our condolences to the victims and the families of all those lost in the quake’s terrible force.  There is still hope that thousands more may be pulled alive from the rubble. We send our prayers and offer the merit of our meditation to the living.

Sometimes people have a mistaken notion that earthquakes and floods are mysterious expressions of collective karma. Some natural disasters may very well be triggered by human activity. Recent increases in the number and severity of tropical storms can be seen as linked to climate change resulting from our use of fossil fuels.  But in the world we live in there are other causes than karma.  When looking at karma, and thinking about events like this earthquake and Cyclone Nargis in Burma, the important thing is how do we respond to it.  Can the people, the government, the international community, and we, ourselves, respond quickly, generously, and compassionately?

If you wish to offer a financial gift to victims of the Sichuan Earthquake, reliable online donations can be made by way of the Hong Kong Red Cross www.redcross.org.hk/ also go to www.us.tzuchi.org