Haiti

There is no picture that I can post to describe or depict the magnitude of the current situation in Haiti. There is no picture that could either capture the situation or be ironic, no picture that could convey the sorrow, the despair, or the tragedy. I have no words, either, other than to share the following very practical email sent out by Geoffrey Shugen Arnold of the Zen Center of New York City:

Dear Sangha,

As we all witness the unimaginable tragedy that has befallen the women, men and children of Haiti, I wanted to send a brief note encouraging us all to explore ways to manifest the thousand hands and eyes of Kannon, the great bodhisattva of compassion. The Temple and the Monastery will both be making donations to help those organizations that are already at work in Haiti to help bring aid and services to the many, many people in need. Please, let's each of us do what we can to help. I'm sure many of you are already responding in various ways to this catastrophe, and you may already have an organization that you want to support, but here are a few to consider as well. Each of these organizations have websites with information as to how you contribute.

• Doctors Without Borders
• Oxfam America
• Partners in Health
• Yéle Haiti

To take in the magnitude of such suffering is difficult. To respond to this suffering is - in some small way - to help it be alleviated.

Prajna Paramita,

Shugen
Fire Lotus Temple