
The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) this week launched its annual International Young Bodhisattva Program, a two-week experiential learning initiative for young leaders and social activists. Organized in collaboration with Hongshi Buddhist College in Taiwan, the program runs this year from October 22 to November 4 under the theme “For Spiritual Resurgence and Social Transformation.”
“The International Young Bodhisattva Program . . . created by INEB, in collaboration with Hongshi Buddhist College, aims to develop the confidence, capacity and commitment of young people in social and spiritual transformation,” INEB explained. “It is an exposure program for young people to learn more about social engagement, centered on the values of love . . . – kindness and compassion – in Asia, particularly in the context of Taiwan.
INEB is a global network of individuals and organizations committed to promoting and working towards building compassionate societies, environmental sustainability and world peace. INEB emphasizes the importance of developing an ethical and 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 delighted to welcome 27 participants from 16 countries (for the International Young Bodhisattva Program), representing a diverse and global community working together for positive change,” noted INEB. “We are deeply honored to welcome Ajahn Sulak Sivaraksa (INEB Founder) and Venerable Chao Hwei 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 renowned Taiwanese Buddhist monk who has gained worldwide fame as a socially engaged Buddhist, activist, scholar, and author. In 2021, Ven. Chao-hwei was awarded the 38th Niwano Peace Prize in recognition of his work as a leading voice for liberation, empowerment, and an engaged and compassionate Buddhism in Asia and beyond.*
“A common phenomenon that can be observed in countries where the bodhisattvas of the members of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) operate – especially in South and Southeast Asia – is that people have not yet achieved lasting peace and social justice,” INEB noted. “Every country continues to be influenced by capitalism and authoritarianism from the colonial era to the recent era of globalization. The common experience shared by “third world” countries is dominated by the corporate sector (transnational and national corporations, IMF, World Bank, AfDB, WTO, etc.) and non-democratic or pseudo-democratic governments. The powerful influence of these two sectors has a negative impact on everyone.


“The future of humanity rests on its young generation. However, growing up in divided societies makes it very difficult for them to realize their potential and contribute positively to society,” INEB stressed. “A large part of the vitality of young people is wasted due to the impact of structural violence, namely poverty, poor health and many other social and economic inequalities in education, housing, employment, etc. These conditions create disparities and instability, especially in communities where development is unbalanced.
The Young Bodhisattva Program is centered on a three-mode learning process that involves intellectual, spiritual, and physical practice, including panels, discussions, community development activities, meditation practice, and site visits to civil society organizations, government agencies, and Buddhist institutions in Taiwan to explore and understand the opportunities and challenges for social engagement, as well as the roles played by Buddhists and other activists.
Drawing 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, as well as to critically examine and investigate the conditions of their lives and communities.


Participants will also connect with other youth and elders, teachers and resource persons from across Asia and other parts of the world, and will be tasked with mapping social engagement exercises in their countries and communities, and developing action plans to define what contributions they could make 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 young people (Buddhists and others) realize their human potential to contribute to profound and lasting social change, the timeless teachings of the Buddha have great potential to serve as a roadmap for a peaceful and sustainable world.”

INEB was established in 1989 by Professor Sulak Sivaraksa and a group of Buddhist leaders and scholars seeking to apply Buddhist teachings and principles to contemporary social and political issues. Through its global network, INEB strives to promote understanding, cooperation and connections among inter-Buddhist and inter-religious groups, and to actively address pressing global issues such as human rights, conflict resolution and environmental crises.
Based in Bangkok, INEB has implemented a wide range of social projects and awareness programs aimed at overcoming suffering and empowering vulnerable communities through Dharma practice 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 responsible use of natural resources, and has promoted sustainable development practices in various communities.
* Taiwanese Buddhist Master Ven. Shih Chao-hwei Receives 38th Niwano Peace Prize (BDG)
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International network of committed Buddhists
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