The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) has announced that it will hold its 21st biennial conference in southern India later this year. Hosted by the socially engaged Buddhist non-profit organization Foundation of His Sacred Majesty (FHSM) in the city of Chennai, and running from 22 November–3 December, the 21st INEB Biennial International Conference will be focused on the theme “Buddhist Heritage: Toward Inclusive Societies.”
INEB is a global network of individuals and organizations who are committed to promoting and working toward building compassionate societies, environmental sustainability, and world peace. INEB emphasizes the importance of developing an ethical, Dharma-based approach to its work, and encourages its members to work collaboratively and respectfully with individuals and organizations based on a foundation of shared values and aspirations.
“Buddhist heritage carries within it a wealth of teachings and principles that can contribute significantly toward building inclusive societies,” INEB stated in an announcement shared with BDG. “The Buddhist heritage of South India represents ‘Diversity in Unity,’ a concept that emphasizes the value of embracing and celebrating diversity while working toward unity and harmony within a community or society. This recognizes the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, cultures, and identities within a community that enriches the collective experience.”
The 2024 INEB conference is being organized and hosted by FHSM, centered on a range of interlinked objectives rooted in the understanding, practice, and promotion, of Buddhism:
Promoting Peace and Harmony: Encouraging peaceful coexistence and understanding among diverse peoples, communities, cultures, and nations through the Buddhist teachings.
Archaeological and Cultural Exchange: Promoting the cultural aspects of Buddhism among a broader audience through the arts, literature, and traditions.
Social Justice and Engagement: Addressing contemporary social issues through the lens of Buddhist teachings, such as grassroots support for environmental sustainability, gender equality, children’s well-being, and social justice using nonviolent approaches.
Spiritual Development and Practice: Offering opportunities for collective practice, rituals, meditation, mindfulness practices, and spiritual growth.
Ecological Responsibility and Building Community: Offering hands-on experience, strengthening networks and relationships within the global Buddhist community.
Youth Engagement: Encouraging young people to explore and engage with Buddhist teachings and practices.
The Foundation of His Sacred Majesty (FHSM)—named in commemoration of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka (r. c. 268–c. 232 BCE), a key figure in the propagation of Buddhism across Asia—is guided by the principles of socially engaged Buddhism, with a focus on empowering deprived and marginalized communities. The foundation’s work is based on four broad propositions: social transformation through strengthening grassroots democracy and good governance; sustainable livelihoods, education, and social empowerment; promoting alternative healthcare systems; and protecting and conserving ecosystems.
The 21st INEB conference will also bear witness to several significant landmarks:
• The first international Buddhist conference to be held in the state of Tamil Nadu, providing a unique opportunity to showcase the deep Buddhist history, heritage, and contributions of South India;
• The first dialogue among Tamil Buddhists of India and Indonesia, and Sinhalese Buddhists in Sri Lanka;
• The inauguration of the South Indian Buddhist Council, a fellowship of socially engaged Buddhist organizations;
• The colloquium also coincides with and commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Constitution of India.
The program of events includes a series of engaged Buddhist workshops organized around the sub-themes of “Archaeological Justice and Community Participation,” Dialogue Among Marginalized Communities on Gender, Social Justice, and Inclusiveness,” “Ecological Temple and Sustainability,” and “Youth Empowerment.”
Participants may also join visits to the Mahabalipuram UNESCO World Heritage Site dated to the 7th–8th centuries, and Kanchipuram heritage city, an area rich in archaeological heritage where Buddhism is believed to have flourished from 1st–5th centuries.
Looking toward the future, the conference features hands-on workshops at Sukhavati Eco-Temple and Auroville, an experimental eco-community founded in recognition of human unity and aiming to transcend creeds, politics, and nationality. Sukhavati Eco-Temple has been established by FHSM as an eco-friendly and sustainable spiritual center aimed at furthering human rights advocacy, empowering marginalized communities, promoting sustainable agriculture, supporting youth education, and offering Buddhist education and practice.
“Embracing diversity requires creating an inclusive environment where individuals feel welcomed, respected, and valued for who they are,” INEB observed. “Such inclusivity promotes a sense of belonging and ensures that everyone has equal opportunities to participate and thrive. While diversity brings richness and variety to a community, unity provides strength and cohesion where social justice is paramount toward collective unity that creates positive societal transformation.”
Click here for full conference details and registration information
INEB was formed in 1989 by Prof. Sulak Sivaraksa and a group of Buddhist leaders and scholars seeking to apply the Buddhist teachings and principles to contemporary social and political issues. Through its global network, INEB works to promote understanding, cooperation, and connection among inter-Buddhist and inter-religious groups, and to actively address urgent global issues such as human rights, conflict resolution, and environmental crises.
Headquartered in Bangkok, INEB has established a wide range of social projects and outreach programs aimed at overcoming suffering and empowering vulnerable communities through the practice of the Dharma and social engagement, such as education and training programs, community development projects, advocacy and lobbying efforts, and interfaith dialogue. The network also advocates the importance of environmental sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources, and has promoted sustainable development practices in various communities.
BDG is the official media partner for the 21st INEB Biennial International Conference. Our coverage will include reporting on the conference proceedings and a series of in-depth articles drawn from the speakers and their presentations.
See more
International Network of Engaged Buddhists
INEB – International Network of Engaged Buddhists (Facebook)
Foundation of His Sacred Majesty (Facebook)
Foundation of His Sacred Majesty India (YouTube)
Foundation of His Sacred Majesty (LinkedIn)
Related news reports from BDG
Engaged Buddhism: INEB’s SENS Transformative Learning Program Accepting Applications for 2025 Intake
Engaged Buddhism: Ven. Pomnyun Sunim Inaugurates Remodeled Orphanage in Thailand
Engaged Buddhism: INEB Nurtures Youth Leaders with Young Bodhisattva Program in Taiwan
Engaged Buddhism: INEB Hosts Landmark Interfaith Gathering in Bangkok for Gender Equality and Social Justice
Engaged Buddhism: 20th Biennial INEB Conference Commences in South Korea
INEB Celebrates the 90th Birthday of Exemplar of Engaged Buddhism Sulak Sivaraksa
Engaged Buddhism: Buddhist Non-profit FHSM Refurbishes Rural School for the Underprivileged in India
Engaged Buddhism: Buddhist Non-profit FHSM Launches Humanitarian Relief Effort after Cyclone Michaung Batters Southeastern India
Engaged Buddhism: Buddhist Non-profit FHSM Supports Underprivileged Children Affected by Eye Cancer
Engaged Buddhism: Buddhist Non-profit FHSM Extends Free Eye Clinics for Underprivileged Communities in India
