The current situation in the Ukraine brings about great sadness and causes a lot of suffering and pain. Many of us wonder: “How can I help? What can we do?”

Below follow some words from our Chief Operating Officer Ben Mikolaj that we wish may be helpful: 

“Of course, you can support one of the many charities providing aid to those suffering on the ground in Ukraine or the many refugees fleeing the country. You can also keep those suffering in your heart during your daily practice and make positive aspirations. Mitra Karl pointed out that as Buddhists, in particular those on a bodhisattva path, we practice loving-kindness and compassion for all beings without any bias and without leaving anyone out. We practice not only for those we perceive as the victims, but also for those we perceive as the aggressors. Whether we are practicing a particular Sadhana, Tara, tonglen, the four immeasurables, or just resting in shamatha we can do so with the motivation of bodhicitta. 

May all sentient beings find peace and may the seeds of violence and aggression be transformed through the power of immeasurable loving-kindness and compassion.”

May peace prevail in our world.