Buddhist Global Relief

I recently discovered that Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi established a Buddhist foundation in 2007 that addresses social and economic issues around the world. The name of the foundation is Buddhist Global Relief. The foundation is based in New York City.

They have implemented numerous projects in various regions, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas. For example, they have provided meals for young students in Sri Lanka and assisted mothers in need in my home country, Cameroon. In addition to their humanitarian efforts, they also offer sermons on the Dhamma. For those unfamiliar, Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi is widely recognized as one of the greatest translators on the Sutta Central website.

It’s common to think that a bhikkhu solely meditates, teaches the Dhamma, and should fully withdraw from worldly affairs. While bhikkhus are indeed prohibited from engaging in politics, they can play a crucial role in encouraging laypeople to support the needy through donations and acts of kindness. A relevant example is the story of Venerable arahant Losaka Thero, who began life as a child beggar. The Venerable Arahant Sāriputta recommended that he become a bhikkhu to access more food, which ultimately led him to achieve arahantship.

The most valuable gift is the Dhamma. For most of us on this forum, our basic needs—such as food, shelter, clothing, and reasonable health—are met, allowing us to understand the Dhamma and actively participate in discussions. It is nearly impossible to attain a state of the magga phala when suffering from hunger or pain. While there are exceptions, generally, a minimum level of physical and mental comfort is essential for grasping the Dhamma. This is why such commitments to social welfare are extremely important; before individuals can receive the supreme gift of Dhamma, they must be in conditions that allow for its reception. I believe some individuals assisted by this organization may develop an interest in the Dhamma throughout their lives. This is a great way to accumulate kusalas and punna kammas.

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Yash RS