More than 500 religious leaders are now at Standing Rock, North Dakota. Among Buddhist leaders present, Venerable Pannavati sends us photos by her companion from the field. In this protracted struggle to stand up for sacred land, protesters now confront a harsh winter and recent onslaughts of freezing water blasts and tear gas.

While President Obama has halted temporarily Energy Transfer Partners' access pipeline, drilling may still occur after this buffer period. Now is the time to comment and reach a breakthrough! May those who hear this call take a moment now, send collective metta to EVERYONE at Standing Rock. May all keep the peace and not resort to violence. May all reach a long-term resolution before the end of this presidential term.

Beyond metta, you can help by:

• Going to Standing Rock and be physically present. Bring necessities with you.
• Visiting www.standwithstandingrock.net for information and offer support.
• Signing petitions such as this: http://standwithstandingrock.net/take-action/
• Calling North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple at 701-328-2200,
  calling the White House at 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414, and
  calling the Army Corps of Engineers at 202-761-5903,
  asking that the federal agency deny an easement for construction at Standing Rock.