The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) this week commenced its annual International Young Bodhisattva Program, a two-week experiential-learning initiative for young leaders and social activists. Held in collaboration with Buddhist Hongshi College in Taiwan, this year the program runs from 22 October to 4 November on the theme “For Spiritual Resurgence & Social Transformation.”
“The International Young Bodhisattva Program . . . established by INEB, in conjunction with Buddhist Hongshi College, aims to develop young people’s confidence, capacity, and commitment to social and spiritual transformation,” INEB explained “It is an exposure program for youth to learn about social engagement—centered on values of loving-kindness and compassion—in Asia, particularly in the context of Taiwan.”
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.
“This year, we are thrilled to have 27 participants from 16 countries joining us [for the International Young Bodhisattva Program], representing a diverse and global community working together for positive change,” INEB noted. “We are deeply honored to have [INEB founder] Ajahn Sulak Sivaraksa and Venerable Chao Hwei join us for the opening ceremony, where they shared profound insights on the role of a Bodhisattva in today’s world. Their wisdom inspires young leaders to embody compassion, justice, and nonviolence in their journey of spiritual growth and social transformation.”
Ven. Shih Chao-hwei is a celebrated Taiwanese Buddhist monastic who has earned global renown as a socially engaged Buddhist, activist, scholar, and author. In 2021, Ven. Chao-hwei was the recipient of the 38th Niwano Peace Prize in recognition of her work as a leading voice for liberation, empowerment, and compassionate engaged Buddhism in Asia and beyond.*
“A common phenomenon that can be observed in the countries where members of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) bodhisattvas have been operating—especially in South and Southeast Asia—is that the people have not yet achieved enduring peace and social justice,” INEB remarked. “Every country continues to be influenced by capitalism and authoritarianism from the colonial era until the recent era of globalization. The common experience shared by the ‘Third World’ countries is dominated by the business corporate sector (transnational and national corporations, IMF, World Bank, ADB, WTO, etc.) and the non-democratic or pseudo-democratic governments. These two sectors’ powerful influence adversely impacts everyone.”
“The future of humankind relies on its young generation. However, growing up in divided societies makes it very difficult for them to realize their potential and positively contribute to society,” INEB emphasized. “A great deal of young people’s vitality is expended because of the impact of structural violence, namely poverty, ill health, and many other social and economic inequities in education, housing, employment, and so forth. These conditions create disparities and instability, particularly in communities where development is imbalanced.”
The Young Bodhisattva Program is centered around a three-mode learning process that involves intellectual, spiritual and physical practice, including panels, discussions, community-building activities, meditation practice, and site visits to civil society organizations, government agencies, and Buddhist institutions in Taiwan to explore and understand opportunities and challenges for social engagement, and the roles played by Buddhists and other activists.
Based on the wisdom and insights of the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths, program participants will learn to analyze societal structures and institutional sources of power, and critically examine and investigate conditions in their lives and their communities.
Participants will also build connections with other youths and elders, teachers, and resource people from across Asia and other parts of the world, and will be tasked with mapping exercises on social engagement in their countries and communities, and drawing up action plans to outline what contributions they could bring and how they could foster future leadership in their communities.
“As the struggle for genuine peace and social justice continues, we cannot underestimate the importance of youth in these movements,” INEB observed. “As youth (Buddhist and otherwise) realize their human potential to contribute to deep and lasting social change, the timeless teachings of the Buddha have great potential to serve as road maps for a peaceful and sustainable world.”
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.
* Taiwanese Buddhist Master Ven. Shih Chao-hwei Awarded the 38th Niwano Peace Prize (BDG)
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International Network of Engaged Buddhists
INEB – International Network of Engaged Buddhists (Facebook)
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