Support Ingynbin Monks and Families Facing Crisis

When homes were burned in Ingynbin and neighboring villages earlier this year, the immediate priority was survival. Families fled with little more than what they could carry, seeking refuge in monasteries while food, shelter, and safety became urgent concerns.

Today, we wanted to share a compiled update on how your support has continued to help the people of Ingynbin in the months since the attacks.

Following our initial emergency response, food assistance has continued for displaced families sheltering at Magyidaw Monastery. More than 300 people, including monastics and newly displaced families, have relied on the monastery as a place of refuge while remaining unable to safely return home. Although some villagers cautiously revisit their communities during periods of relative calm to clear debris and assess what remains of their homes, they still return to the monastery each evening because conditions remain too unsafe to stay. 

Delivering aid has also become increasingly complex. Security risks, limited banking access, unreliable communications, and restrictions on transferring funds have required careful coordination with trusted local partners. Despite these challenges, we continue adapting our approach to ensure support reaches communities safely and responsibly. 

As time has passed, another need has become increasingly clear. Recovery is not only about rebuilding homes and providing food, it is also about helping people recover from the emotional and psychological toll of conflict.

During the recent Thingyan holiday, our local partner, Sayadaw U Mandala, organized a five-day meditation retreat for villagers from Ingynbin and neighboring communities. Around 150 participants, including many elderly residents, gathered to spend several hours each day in meditation and reflection. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the monastery was able to provide breakfast and lunch throughout the retreat, allowing participants to focus on their practice in a safe and supportive environment.

The retreat carried special meaning. Ingynbin has long been connected to the teachings of the late Webu Sayadaw, who ordained children in the village and delivered one of his final Dhamma talks there. Continuing this tradition during such a difficult period offered participants not only an opportunity for spiritual practice but also a sense of continuity, resilience, and hope. For many who have endured years of displacement, uncertainty, and loss, these few days provided a rare opportunity to find peace together.

The community's needs continue to evolve. Alongside ongoing food assistance, discussions are underway about constructing temporary shelters for families whose homes were destroyed, helping them move from emergency relief toward early recovery and greater stability. 

To everyone who has supported Ingynbin, thank you. Your generosity has done far more than provide emergency aid. It has helped sustain displaced families, strengthen community and create space for healing during one of the most difficult chapters in their lives. 

Links:

• A Retreat for Peace and Healing