Buddhists launch int'l appeal to stop Myanmar's 'policy of violence'

Upon visiting the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh Buddhist leaders have announced the launch of an international appeal to halt Myanmar's "policy of violence" and increase humanitarian assistance to the victims, reports UNB.

"We are greatly disturbed by what many see as slander and distortion of the Buddha's teachings," the appeal said. The hatred, systematic persecution and ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya people "stand in stark contradiction to monastic percepts and Buddha's teachings on universal morality, peace and tolerance."

The appeal, addressed to Myanmar's top Buddhist council, has already been signed by hundreds of Buddhist leaders and teachers in over fifteen countries, including Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi, Buddhist Global Relief; Jack Kornfield, Spirit Rock Meditation Centre; Pema Chodron, Gampo Abbey; Phra Paisal Visalo, Wat Pasukato; and Jamie Cresswell, European Buddhist Union.