While the world comes to grip with how best to cope with containing and dealing with the corona virus, here in India, a 21-day lockdown has begun. For a population of 1.3 billion people, a bold decision like this, will not come without both major sacrifices and consequences--it is us up to those who have something extra to mitigate the blows. The burden of this huge public sacrifice, like all war-time situations, will fall most heavily on the poor.

In Sarnath, where the Buddha turned the Wheel of Dharma, more than 2500 years ago, he expounded the Four Noble Truths. These truths, universal, give us the opportunity as sentient beings for transformation. The transformation of suffering into compassion and understanding is our most precious resource, the jewel known as Bodhicitta.

We are urging all to join in supporting the vulnerable in their communities. Since there are so many people in the world who will be needing help, we recognize that we are just one of many groups. But we start where we are and we pledge to help those most vulnerable who are in front of us, with the aspiration to take this plan to help our local daily-wage earners with food security.

We will first start with 200 families that have a long association with the Jarul Trust (https://www.jarultrust.com/) and then seek to move out further and further in society. We will work with local shops in Sarnath to provide food-at-cost and have requested the local police to help ensure smooth and peaceful distribution. Although the Government of India has ensured that they will provide food for the poor, this has not happened yet, and may prove to be very difficult. All of the families that we propose to help have very limited cash and food reserves. 

Your help today can help prevent not only hunger in the next few days but widespread panic. As we all know panic and fear can lead to many different dangerous emotions. Assuring the vulnerable that those who have enough are willing to share will help both practically in the present moment and help quell fear. If we can set this as an example here in Sarnath, then, hopefully others can join in their own communities as well.

For 600,000 INR, or approximately $8000 we will be able to provide basic necessities for 200 families in Sarnath for one month. Each packet will include rice, dal, flour (atta), oil, salt, spices, tea, and soap.

We have placed a short deadline of April 4th on this campaign because we don't have much time. People need the support now and cannot wait. Thank you so much for helping to support this community.