[Antiracism] Getting video equipment into Burma

[jesse maceo vega-frey]

Friends,


Most of you are likely aware of the situation in Burma where a growing
liberation movement is being threatened by the violent repression of the
Burmese government.

It is clear that one of the most powerful forces that is keeping the Burmese
military from an all-out violent repression of this movement is the weight
of international pressure that is being supported largely by our modern
media capacity. 

The Burmese government is trying very hard to prevent images and news
content of the situation from leaving the country. Journalists are being
targeted, internet cafes are being shut down, cameras and communication
equipment are being confiscated, etc.

In lieu of an actual physical international presence on the ground in Burma,
it is evident that one of the best ways we have to supporting the effort of
the Burmese people is to make sure these lines of communication to the
outside world stay open and up-to-date.

We are trying to find a way to gather photographic, video and transmission
equipment and get it into Burma through contacts in Thailand.  We would
appreciate your help by sending any extra equipment of this nature that you
may have to our office in North Carolina, where they will be compiled and
sent as quickly as possible to the appropriate people. This can be old, used
and even out-dated equipment- as long as it works and you are willing to
part ways with it.

If you do not have equipment of this nature but would like to help you can
also send donations to help pay for additional equipment and shipping
charges.

Please send all resources to

The Stone House
attn: Burma equipment
6602 Nick¹s Rd
Mebane, NC 27302

And checks payable to stone circles with ³Burma video equipment² in the memo
line.
 
Stone circles is an organization dedicated to sustaining activists and
strengthening the work of justice through spiritual practice and principles.
We are moved by the efforts of the Burmese people, and of the monastic
community there in particular, in their brave commitment to their human
rights and as inspiring examples spiritual activism. Feel free to check us
out on the web at www.stonecircles.org

In peace and solidarity

Jesse

P.S.

You may have read that the Burmese monastics and lay people have been
chanting the Buddha¹s words on lovingkindness or ³metta² during many of
their marches. If you do not know it already, here are the words in Pali and
in English:

The Karaniya Metta Sutta
the Buddha¹s discourse on Loving Kindness
1 
Karaniyam atthakusalena
Yan tam santam padam abhisamecca
Sakko uju ca suju ca
Suvaco c'assa mudu anatimani
 
This is what should be done
By one who is skilled in goodness
Having glimpsed the state of perfect peace,
Let them be able, honest and upright,
Gentle in speech, meek and not proud.
 
2 
Santussako ca subharo ca
Appakicco ca sallahukavutti
Santindriyo ca nipako ca
Appagabbho kulesu ananugiddho
 
Contented and easy to support,
With few duties, and simple in living.
Tranquil their senses, masterful and modest, without greed for supporters
 
 
3 
Na ca khuddam samacare kinci
Yena viññu pare upavadeyyum
Sukhino va khemino hontu
Sabbe satta bhavantu sukhitatta
 
Also, let them not do the slightest thing
That the wise would later reprove.
Let them cultivate the thought:
May all be well and secure,
May all beings be happy
 
4 
Ye keci panabhut'atthi
Tasa va thavara va anavasesa
Digha va ye mahanta va
Majjhima rassakanukathula
 
Whatever living creatures there be,
Without exception, weak or strong,
Long, huge or middle-sized,
Or short, minute or bulky,
 
5 
Dittha va yeva adittha
Ye ca dure vasanti avidure
Bhuta va sambhavesi va
Sabbe satta bhavantu sukhitatta
 
Whether visible or invisible,
And those living far or near,
The born and those seeking birth,
May all beings be happy
 
6 
Na paro param nikubbetha
Natimaññetha katthacinam kanci
Byarosana patighasañña
Naññamaññassa dukkham iccheyya
 
Let none deceive another
Or despise any being in any state;
Let none wish others harm
In resentment or in hate.
 
7 
Mata yatha niyam puttam
Ayusa ekaputtam anurakkhe
Evampi sabbabhutesu
Manasam bhavaye aparimanam
 
Just as with her own life
A mother shields her child,
her only child, from hurt
Let all-embracing thoughts
For all beings be yours.
 
8 
Mettañ ca sabba-lokasmim
Manasam bhavaye aparimanam
Uddham adho ca tiriyanca
Asambadham averam asapattam
 
Cultivate a limitless heart of goodwill
For all throughout the cosmos,
In all its height, depth and breadth --
Love that is untroubled
And beyond hatred or enmity.
 
9 
Titthañ caram nisinno va
Sayano va yavat'assa vigatamiddho
Etam satim adhittheyya
Brahmam etam viharam idhamahu
 
As you stand, walk, sit or lie,
So long as you are awake,
Pursue this awareness with your might:
It is deemed the Divine Abiding- here and now.
 
10 
Ditthiñca anupagamma silava
Dassanena sampanno
Kamesu vineyya gedham
Na hi jatu gabbhaseyyam punar eti'ti
 
Holding no more to wrong views,
A pure-hearted one, having clarity
of vision, being freed from all sense desires,
Is not born again into this world.



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