Without a doubt the magnitude 8.8 earthquake in Chile will leave a long trail. In situations such as these it is inevitable that the Boabom School in Chile will be affected, whether directly or indirectly. While, from the information that we have, the students are well, the teachers in perfect condition, and infrastructure of the schools did not suffer any major damage, the chance of further damage was very close, and the impact on everyone’s lives is undeniable.

One of the first things that come to mind are the values taught in Boabom. These days, faced with a situation like that in Chile, these values become more clear. There are many phrases used in classes which appear tailor-made for the moment, such as: “A solid foundation makes a strong building.” This is obvious now, for those that were was built with care remained standing, just as in the Art, where the careful student achieves the fullest achievements. By contrast, a minor glitch, a poorly executed detail, neglect, all lead to crumbling buildings. Yet there remain situations that, even if the construction is very good, are impossible to resist (as the case of the combined earthquake and tsunami) … You should always “expect the unexpected.”

In turn, the ideals of Discipline, Respect, and Humility taught in the Boabom schools are also apparent. Only with great discipline can we rebuild; only with respect for others can order be maintained and can we clearly assess what all have suffered; and finally only with humility can we maintain the serenity to understand, a humility before all, before nature, before our weakness, before the ephemeral nature of the material.

All who have lived through this earthquake have learned something. Those who study the Boabom Arts have seen, through these events, the importance of ancient teachings and counsel that carry the echos and experiences of the past.

The country has now been mobilized in a series of campaigns to help people who have been affected by the earthquake; as a school we look forward to lending a hand, to helping focus and realize any kind of aid necessary to further these goals.

Our support goes to all the schools in Chile, to their students and teachers, to all people who have suffered and to those who are willing to help without asking anything in return.

You taught me that the Art was surprising… that one must expect the unexpected, and that it is always good to be one step ahead; I knew intuitively that, since you think in that way, you would go not by the west but by the east, and that of course you would leave early.” (The Secret Art of Boabom)

–from El Diario Boabom