Dear INEB Friends, The qualities of the summer solstice: stillness, light, clarity, openness, warmth and abundance, parallel in many ways the factors of enlightenment. In this months newsletter read all about the ninth annual INEB-Jungto Study Trip and a symposium on Buddhism, Gender, and Inclusive Peace. Travel to Mae Sot to learn about Empowerment through Self-Defense (ESD) and World Refugee Day. Apply for Training of Trainers for Engaged Social Service in a Borderless World 2024 and catch up with exciting news from our network. With mettā, International Network of Engaged Buddhists |
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The 9th Annual INEB-Jungto Society Study Trip |
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The 9th Annual INEB-Jungto Society Study Trip took place between May 29 and June 5, 2024. Participants came from Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. The goal of the study trip is to bring religious leaders and engaged Buddhists to learn about Jungto Society, with the hope for them to apply some ideas or practices in their respective countries. The always rich and inspiring trip was filled with the spirit of kalyana-mitra among participants as they learned, connected, exchanged ideas and practices, and received in-depth buddha-dharma exposure that for many became a life-changing journey. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim spent a significant time with the participants and brought the group to visit Buddhist monasteries, listen to live dharma talks, work on the farm, and participate in the daily chanting and having formal morning meal ritual. He led the group to experience the committed and tireless work done by volunteers of Jungto Society. The structure and operation philosophy of Jungto were explained in detail, demonstrating the core values of democracy, environmental protection, and buddha-dharma practice. Every night, participants reflected on what was learned and shared inspirations with one another. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim’s teaching is remarkably contemporary and concise, based on his vast and deep knowledge in the sutras, history, science and the nature of mind. We look forward to the 10th anniversary of the study trip next year. |
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Report on Public Symposium on Buddhism, Gender, and Inclusive Peace |
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During the week of May 11-18, 2024, INEB’s Sangha for Peace Project Manager Anchalee Kurutach traveled to Japan at the invitation of the Buddhist Social Ethics in Contemporary Japan Study Group (BSE). BSE was founded in late 2022 with a goal to bring critical examination of structural and cultural violence into the now mainstream aspect of Japanese engaged Buddhism. Anchalee’s visit to Japan was marked by four important engagements… Continue reading on our website |
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Empowerment through Self-Defense (ESD) at Smile-Lay Club, Tak province |
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Date: 15 June 2024
Participants: 17 female participants, aged between 15 and 25 years old
Activity: Empowerment Self-Defense
Results: The session aimed to equip participants with self-defense skills, focusing on compassionate communication to safely navigate risky situations, the importance of saying "No" and setting personal boundaries, and physical self-protection techniques. Participants reflected that the session helped them become calmer and better able to communicate their needs. On 16 June, 2 participants conducted the ESD session to the younger group of children. We believe this is a promising beginning. |
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Activity at Don Kaeo Temple, Mae Sot |
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Date: 15 June 2024
Participants: 25 novices, aged between 8 and 19 years old
Activity: Happiness, Hope, and Dreams
Results: The activity was conducted as part of a needs assessment and to foster trust. This was the first event of its kind. During the activity, the team asked the novices to draw a picture representing a happy moment. One novice shared, "I drew the sunset view because I love spending the last few hours of the day sitting and watching the sunset with my mother. I miss home, but I can't return yet." This initiative is part of the Little Buddha Project as INEB aims to End all Violence Against Children (VAC) in the buddhists settings". |
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World Refugee Day in Mae Sot |
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On June 20, 2024, monks and children and their mothers joined the World Refugee day hosted by Myanmar Response Network (MRN), a coalition of seven organizations aiding Myanmar refugees in Thailand, hosted an event at Wattana Village Resort, Mae Sot District, to commemorate World Refugee Day and present a report on Thai legislation and policies affecting new Myanmar arrivals. The event featured performances, exhibitions, and discussions aimed at highlighting refugee issues and fostering policy advocacy. MRN, established post-2021 Myanmar coup, focuses on humanitarian aid and legal protection for refugees. The network includes organizations like Asylum Access Thailand and the Jesuit Refugee Service, emphasizing advocacy for supportive refugee policies in Thailand and ASEAN. |
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GlobalGiving July 10th up to 40% Matching Funds |
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The innovative School of English for Engaged Social Service (SENS) trains young adults to take leadership for sustainability of the planet, of our societies, and of the human spirit. |
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Apply Now: Training of Trainers for Engaged Social Service in a Borderless World 2024 |
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The INEB Institute, in collaboration with Civic Engagement 4.0 – Dignity, Justice, Sustainability, is pleased to announce a workshop for Myanmar teachers working in Migrant Learning Centers in Mae Sot, Thailand. Dates: August 16-18 and August 23-25, 2024 Location: Mae Sot, Thailand This in-person workshop will span two weekends, providing training to Myanmar teachers who are living and working in exile in the Thai border town of Mae Sot due to the desperate and violent situation in their home country. This program is made possible through a wonderful and much-appreciated collaboration with Civic Engagement 4.0, a program under Chulalongkorn University. Application Deadline: July 14th, 2024 For more information, visit: |
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Hozan Roshi ~ Avalokiteshvara's Thousand Hands And Eyes |
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We're so grateful to Alan for his teaching! Above is the video of Hozan's talk given to the Berkeley Zen Center community on June 1st, 2024. |
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Is Buddhist Chaplaincy a Form of Socially Engaged Buddhism? |
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Reflections on a Japan-U.S. Dialogue Jonathan S. Watts This article is not intended as an objective or comprehensive account of the conference but rather the view of one participant who understands that Buddhist Chaplaincy is another important face of Socially Engaged Buddhism in the contemporary world. Any perceived criticisms are not to diminish in any way the work of the participants to address acute suffering in their regions but rather to highlight essential connections between personal and collective suffering that will engender social transformation for the liberation of all sentient beings. Read the full article here |
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Bangkok, Bangkok 10600, Thailand |
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