Sunday Sit with Washin - July 27th, 2025

[Kotei]

Hello everyone,

the situation in the Ukraine and the other armed conflicts in the world is staying devastating.
We are coming together every Sunday to show our compassion for those suffering, our hope for peace and our mutual support.
Led by Washin from Odessa, we'll continue sitting for peace in the Ukraine and around the world this coming Sunday.

You can check with the Treeleaf Practice Calendar for your local time, under the listing Sunday Sit (Zazen for Peace): https://www.treeleaf.org/now/#calendar
We meet in the Treeleaf Scheduled Sitting Room: https://www.treeleaf.org/now/go.php?l=ssr password if needed is << dogen >>

A livestream of the meeting can be found here:

The format of the sitting will be:

- Heart Sutra
- Zazen 40 minutes
- Verse of Atonement and the Four Vows

All are welcome. Please, join us! No prior experience is required - just follow along - come sit with us.

Gassho,
Kotei

[Jundo]

This week ...

Russian strike damages UNESCO-protected sites in Ukraine's Odesa

The city of Odesa in southern Ukraine was the target of a major Russian drone attack on Wednesday night, destroying a nine-storey building and damaging several historic monuments in the old town.

The Russian drone attack damaged UNESCO-protected landmarks, such as Prymorskyi Boulevard and the Pryvoz Market, both part of the historic centre of the Black Sea port city ... Various fires broke out in the region as a result of the strikes, including at a nine-storey residential building. At least four people were injured, spokesperson for the State Emergency Service of Odesa, Marina Averina, reported.

Apartments from the fifth to the eighth floors were destroyed, and fires broke out on the fifth and sixth floors. Emergency crews rescued five people trapped in their apartments and evacuated another 33 residents.

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/07/24/russian-strike-damages-unesco-protected-sites-in-ukraines-odesa

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Gassho, J
stlah

[Junsho]

For your information, here are the 13 big conflicts that are destroying our world and causing suffering to the world' s population.

1. Russia–Ukraine War

An armed conflict since 2022, with recent airstrikes in Kyiv (July 2025) hitting a school and killing civilians.

2. Israel–Gaza Conflict & Israel–Iran Tensions

Violence continues in the Gaza Strip, with growing concerns over a possible direct confrontation between Israel and Iran following reciprocal attacks.

3. War in Sudan (2023–present)

The conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF militia remains active, with atrocities in Darfur, millions internally displaced, and a genocide risk acknowledged by the U.S. .

4. Civil War in Ethiopia

Multiple fronts remain active: the Amhara region conflict (Fano militias), Oromo insurgency, and renewed tensions post-Tigray.

5. Myanmar Civil War (since 2021)

After the 2021 coup, ethnic rebels launched major offensives in Shan and Rakhine states; clashes continue despite natural disasters.

6. Insurgencies in the Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger)

Islamist armed groups carry out frequent attacks; ongoing violence continues to displace civilians.

7. Syrian Civil War

The country remains fragmented between Assad, rebels, Kurds, and foreign forces—less intense but still ongoing.

8. Yemeni Civil War

A conflict causing a severe humanitarian crisis, involving Saudi-backed forces and Iran-backed Houthis.

9. DRC–Rwanda Conflict (Kivu region)

Fighting between the M23 rebel group and government forces, with Rwandan intervention; massive displacement despite a June 2025 peace agreement.

10. Kurdish–Turkish Insurgency

Ongoing for decades with the PKK, mainly in southeastern Turkey and northern Iraq.

11. Sectarian Conflict and Gang Violence in Haiti

Urban violence and gang activity have triggered widespread instability.

12. Thailand–Cambodia Border Dispute

Days ago, artillery exchanges and airstrikes have displaced 40,000 civilians and killed dozens.

13. Insurgencies in Pakistan and India

Multiple regional conflicts involving separatists in Balochistan, Kashmir, and northeastern India.

Let’s sit and pray for the end of this insanity.

Gassho!
SatLah

[Jundo]

I usually do not bring politics into this place. However, yesterday I signed this petition for Gaza, and I urge others to do so if they feel called.

https://www.change.org/p/president-trump-gaza-is-starving-please-stop-this

Gassho, Jundo
stlah