INEB Newsletter May 2024

Dear INEB Friends,

Our Seeds of Peace journal is hot off the press! This is the first edition of 2024 and celebrates a timely 40 years of publication.  Its name has been preserved over time, and as quoted in the first issue from 1985 ”In this violent world, the more we sow the seeds of peace, the better it is to lessen suffering and to build harmony, reconciliation, and happiness.”

 

In other news we celebrate Thailand’s Pride parade rolling into town, a Child Protection Summit with the Queen of Sweden, delve into Dexter’s Digital Boddhisattva column and mourn the loss of young Thai activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom.

 

With mettā,

International Network of Engaged Buddhists 

 

News

Rainbow colours were out in full force this week in the capital. Staff and friends of INEB joined peaceful protests with their own messages in support of freedom and anti-discrimination causes around the world. 

 

"How many times will the courts allow deaths like these to happen until they're satisfied?" Thai MP Rukchanok Srinork Move Forward Party

 

Netiporn Sanesangkhom, known to her friends as Bung, died whilst being on hunger strike in detention, where she was facing charges of lese-majeste. The archaic laws she was on trial for could have seen her imprisoned for 30 years. Bung had been on hunger strike since January and passed away on 14th May, a devastating neglect of human rights and a loss of a bright spirit.

INEB Activities

 

On the 15th May INEB attended a prestigious child protection summit which was organized by Alternative Care Network Thailand and supported by the Swedish government. There were two queens at the event, from Sweden and Thailand. A MOU was reached which will greatly benefit Thai children.

 

 

This issue’s cover image of the clasped hands is a paper mâché’ sculpture made of past issues into a three dimensional piece of art that symbolizes its vision over time. Please read Dexter Cohen Bohn’s article titled Sculptures of Peace to learn more. This issue includes several of INEB’s program activities, particularly as described by our close friend

Doreen Wang in her article How to be a Buddysattva which is a reflection about the recent international young Bodhisattva program held in Taiwan. INEB staff and good friend Anchalee Kurutach has shared the culmination of the Network for Peace project in its partners’ reflection meeting. Also, please read about the release of The Little Buddha a report about the research project that explored child protection across Southeast Asia which was coordinated by INEB staff member Opor Srisuwan.

Several articles may peak your interest including a look back at why Chinese arts appear on most royal temples in old Bangkok. On another note, our dear friend Jane Rasbash remembers Pracha Hutanuwatr. There is much more in this issue including book reviews, letters from friends. We thank you for your ongoing support.

Read the full edition:

 

Sometimes we meet people along the way who inspire new horizons of hope, even if their mantras are “abandon all hope of fruition.” These people often inhabit liminal spaces between worlds, acting to bridge divides with personalities and proclivities that invite heartfelt collaboration.

Gregory Pettys is one of these people.

Upcoming Events

Myanmar Film Tour 2024 Homesick 🏡 . What's going on back home? How's life going in their new place? What kind of home do they want to live in the future? SEM with AJAR and our network are pleased to have you all join the film screening to understand the situation and find solutions together with Myanmar refugees who have been away from home for over three years. Some have been away for a long time, while others are new arrivals, particularly due to the recent conscription law. Some have been forced to move back and forth due to airstrikes and the escalating conflict, while others have had to leave their homes forever. . Free Entry!

INEB Bookshop

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