The 21st Biennial Conference of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB), jointly organized with and hosted by the socially engaged Buddhist non-profit Foundation of His Sacred Majesty, was held in Chennai, in southern India, from 22 November–3 December 2024 under the theme “Buddhist Heritage: Toward Inclusive Societies.”*

The forum brought together an inclusive gathering of 250 engaged Buddhists from 18 countries. The participants included monastics, distinguished teachers, scholars, and prominent engaged Buddhist activists, who presented, examined, and organized workshops on an array of topics that was ambitious in scope and profound in the depth of its exploration of a multitude of interconnected themes and concerns central to the practice of socially engaged buddhism. Key issues examined included: the promotion of peace and social harmony; Buddhist heritage and culture since antiquity; grassroots support for environmental sustainability, gender equality, children’s well-being, and social justice; spiritual development and practice; strengthening networks and relationships within the global Buddhist community; and encouraging young people to explore and engage with Buddhist teachings and practices.

Among the notable speakers who presented at the week-long forum was the revered Taiwanese Chan master and Buddhist scholar Venerable Zinai Shi, a senior member of the Luminary International Buddhist Society, a Chan Buddhist community that is open to dialogue and exchanges on diverse teachings, including those of Theravada and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, as well as humanitarian and scientific perspectives.

Born in Taipei in 1961, Ven. Zinai holds an MA in Buddhist Studies and a PhD in Asian Comparative Studies, and has worked with teachers in the Theravada tradition as well as her own lineage. She not only studies Buddhism intensively and practices meditation diligently, but is also has a keen interest in the dialogue between psychology and Buddhist meditation.

Since 2008, Ven. Zinai has taught a program for pregnant women in Taiwan (Compassionate Prenatal Education), which she devised with the help of two clinical psychologists to help raise the self-esteem of women and support their readiness to be mothers. She has also served as a consultant and guiding master since the founding of the Miaoyuan Vipassana Group, and has been an adviser of The Mindful Living Alliance since its inception.

Ven. Zinai was to present her keynote speech on the topic “The Five Aggregates and Socially Engaged Spirituality,” at INEB’s public symposium, held in Chennai on 1 December. Because of the sudden landfall of Cyclone Fengal, which brought a deluge of heavy rains and strong winds, she was unable to  attend and the talk was given on her behalf by Anchalee Kurutach, a member of INEB’s Executive Committee and coordinator of INEB’s Regional Network for Peacebuilders project. The talk is reproduced here in full.

Today, I would like to explore how a penetrative understanding of the Five Aggregates in Buddhism can foster the actualization of socially engaged spirituality. By delving deeply into the nature of our existence, through the Five Aggregates taught by the Buddha, we can cultivate compassion, empathy, and a sense of interconnectedness that leads to meaningful and creative social actions.

Understanding the Five Aggregates

The Five Aggregates, or skandhas, form the cornerstone of Buddhist psychology. They represent various components that constitute our sense of self:

1. Form (rūpa): the physical body and the material world.
2. Feeling (vedanā): sensations from physical and mental experiences.
3. Perception (saññā): the process of cognizing and interpreting sensory information.
4. Mental formations (saṅkhārā): thoughts, emotions, and volitional activities.
5. Consciousness (viññāṇa): awareness of the other four aggregates.

Penetrative understanding of the Five Aggregates

To have a penetrative understanding means to see beyond the superficial and comprehend the deep, interconnected nature of these aggregates, revealing that what we consider “self” is a constantly changing collection of processes.

Key insights

1. Impermanence: recognizing the fleeting nature of each aggregate helps us understand that clinging to a fixed identity leads to suffering.
2. Interdependence: understanding that our physical bodies are supported by the hard work of others fosters a sense of interconnectedness and appreciation.
3. Non-self: realizing that the absence of a permanent self can lead to liberation from ego-centered thinking.

Cultivating spiritually inspired social action

Socially engaged spirituality integrates spiritual practice with social action. By applying insights from the Five Aggregates, we can nurture a spirituality that is both deep and practical.

Applications

1. Develop compassion: understanding that all beings are composed of the same aggregates helps us to empathize with others.
2. Promoting social justice: Seeing beyond the illusion of a fixed self encourages flexibility in social roles and working toward equality and justice.
3. Building community: recognizing our interdependence nurtures a sense of community and collective well-being.

Enhancing socially engaged spirituality with wise attention (yoniso manasikāra)

Wise attention involves directing our minds toward wholesome and skillful thoughts and perceptions, which can significantly help in building socially engaged spirituality.

Key benefits

1. Mindful awareness: developing mindfulness allows full presence and awareness in interactions.
2. Discerning right action: promotes ethical and compassionate behavior.
3. Reducing negative mental states: focusing on wholesome thoughts reduces negative mental states.
4. Fostering empathy and compassion: better understanding and empathizing with the suffering of others.

Practical steps

1. Mindfulness and meditation: regular practice to gain deeper insights into the aggregates.
2. Education and dialogue: engaging in discussions about the Five Aggregates to inspire social action.
3. Volunteering and activism: applying spiritual insights through community service and social justice initiatives.
4. Practicing wise attention: maintaining a focus on wholesome thoughts and skillful actions.
5. Being aware of unwise attention: actively redirecting unwise attention towards more constructive thoughts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a penetrative understanding of the Five Aggregates offers profound insights that can transform our spiritual practice and motivate social engagement. By recognizing the impermanent, interconnected, and non-self nature of our existence, and enhancing it with the practice of yoniso manasikāra, we can lead happier lives and contribute to a harmonious society. 

* Special Report: INEB’s 21st Biennial Conference Concludes in Chennai with a Commitment to a Shared Heritage of Compassion and Inclusivity (BDG) and Engaged Buddhism: INEB to Hold 21st Biennial Conference “Buddhist Heritage: Toward Inclusive Societies” in Chennai (BDG)

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

Special Report: INEB’s 21st Biennial Conference Concludes in Chennai with a Commitment to a Shared Heritage of Compassion and Inclusivity
Engaged Buddhism: INEB to Hold 21st Biennial Conference “Buddhist Heritage: Toward Inclusive Societies” in Chennai

Related features from BDG

INEB Conference 2024: Tracing the Roots of Compassion and Equity Through Inclusive Social Engagement