The Buddhist Essential Support Trust - The BEST TRUST
A registered UK Charity - No. 1094424
Preserving the noble teachings of the Buddha depends on establishing strong roots of Buddhism in the rural communities. Instead of building pagodas in already rich and prosperous areas, Buddhist Essential Support Trust (BEST), a charity registered in the UK, focuses on supporting Buddhist practices and the teaching of Buddhism in the rural and poor communities where needs are also greatest.
Countries where Theravada Buddhism prevail, like Myanmar, village life revolves around the monastery. There, children from a young age learn about the Buddha's teachings. Boys are ordained when they come of age and spend time at the monastery as novices practicing Buddhism as well as learning Pal, and rules of vinaya for their proper conduct as monks.
In the rural areas Buddhism is deeply entrenched in the lives of the people of all ages and gender. People generously donate robes, food, medicine and shelter essential for a monk's survival. It is in these rural communities that Buddhism receives strongest expression. However, due to the hardship of people in recent years, lay followers have been less able to support the monks (Sangha). Village monasteries are in need of much repair and fewer boys are entering monk-hood. Where there is plenty of water there is no need for rain but in areas where water is scarce let the rain of metta (loving-kindness and generosity) pour down.
OUR AIM
To preserve and contribute to the flourishing of Buddhism in the rural communities in Myanmar.
OUR OBJECTIVES
To provide the four essentials of food, shelter, robe and medicine to monks.
To give financial aid to projects for maintenance and repair of monasteries.
To support educational activities including those to enhance the learning of Pali.
GEOGRAPHICAL FOCUS
Rural Communities in Myanmar and donations to the Buddhist monasteries in the UK.
May the teachings of the Lord Buddha prosper. We ask you to join us in this aim and share the merits of our efforts.
ACTIVITIES
With the donations received, the Buddhist Essential Support Trust (BEST) has carried out the following activities throughout Myanmar. For more on our activities, please read the newsletters below.
BEST NEWSLETTERS
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BEST TRUSTEES
BEST meetings are chaired by the BEST Patron and BEST activities are governed by the Trustees.
BEST PATRON
Professor Robert H. Taylor
BEST TRUSTEES
Daw Khin Win Mya
U Aung Kyaw Johnson Moe
U Yan Myo Kyaw
Daw Zarni Win
Dr. Myint Thein
U Htein Kyi Win
Dr. Min Sein
Daw Aye Aye Lemmers
BEST PATRON
Professor Robert H. Taylor
BEST TRUSTEES
Daw Khin Win Mya
U Aung Kyaw Johnson Moe
U Yan Myo Kyaw
Daw Zarni Win
Dr. Myint Thein
U Htein Kyi Win
Dr. Min Sein
Daw Aye Aye Lemmers
Meeting of BEST Trustees - AGM (July 2017)
BEST MYANMAR TEAM
Daw Theingi Hlaing, Daw Kyi Lay, Daw San Nwet, U Myo Htut, U Chan Thar, Daw Ohnmar, U Aye Cho, Daw Dolly, Daw Thin Thin Su, Daw Ohn Kyi, U Mg Mg, U Thaung Myint, U Win Ko Ko, Daw Nyo Mi Mi Shein, Daw Khin Mya Sit, U Kyaw Soe, U Than Aye, Daw Kay Thi Ohn, Daw Moe Thuzar, U Ye Htut
as well as Daw Khin Win Mya, U Thein Zaw Win, Dr. Min Sein, Daw Zarni Win
as well as Daw Khin Win Mya, U Thein Zaw Win, Dr. Min Sein, Daw Zarni Win
BEST MYANMAR TEAM with BEST President Daw Khin Win Mya (third from left) in Chin State donation round, November 2019
