
The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) has announced that it will hold its 21st biennial conference in South India later this year. Organised by His Sacred Majesty’s Foundation (HSMF), a socially engaged Buddhist non-profit organisation, in the city of Chennai, and taking place from 22 November to 3 December, the 21st INEB Biennial International Conference will focus on the theme “Buddhist Legacy: Towards Inclusive Societies.”
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.
“The Buddhist heritage carries with it a wealth of teachings and principles that can contribute significantly to building inclusive societies,” INEB said in a statement shared with BDG. “The Buddhist heritage of South India represents ‘diversity in unity’, a concept that emphasizes the value of embracing and celebrating diversity while working towards unity and harmony within a community or society. This recognizes the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, cultures and identities within a community that enriches the collective experience.”

The INEB 2024 conference is organized and hosted by the FHSM, focusing on a series of interrelated objectives rooted in the understanding, practice and promotion of Buddhism:
Promoting peace and harmony: To encourage peaceful coexistence and understanding among diverse peoples, communities, cultures and nations through Buddhist teachings.
Archaeological and cultural exchange: To promote the cultural aspects of Buddhism to a wider audience through the arts, literature and traditions.
Social justice and engagement: Addressing contemporary social issues through the lens of Buddhist teachings, such as popular support for environmental sustainability, gender equality, child welfare and social justice using nonviolent approaches.
Spiritual Development and Practice: Provide opportunities for collective practice, rituals, meditation, mindfulness practices and spiritual growth.
Ecological responsibility and community development: Providing hands-on experience, strengthening networks and relationships within the global Buddhist community.
Youth engagement: Encourage young people to explore and engage with Buddhist teachings and practices.

His Sacred Majesty’s Foundation (HSMF) – named in commemoration of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (r. 268 – c. 232 BCE), a key figure in the spread of Buddhism across Asia – is guided by the principles of socially engaged Buddhism, with a focus on empowering disadvantaged and marginalised communities. The foundation’s work is based on four broad propositions: social transformation through strengthening grassroots democracy and good governance; sustainable livelihoods, education and social empowerment; promoting alternative health systems; and protecting and conserving ecosystems.
The 21st INEB conference will also witness several notable events:
• The first International Buddhist Conference to be held in the state of Tamil Nadu, providing a unique opportunity to showcase the deep Buddhist history, heritage and contributions of South India;
• The first dialogue between Tamil Buddhists of India and Indonesia and Sinhalese Buddhists of Sri Lanka;
• The inauguration of the Buddhist Council of South India, an association of socially engaged Buddhist organizations;
• The symposium also coincides with and commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Constitution of India.

The programme of events includes a series of engaged Buddhist workshops organised around the sub-themes of “Archaeological Justice and Community Participation”, “Dialogue between Marginalised Communities on Gender, Social Justice and Inclusion”, “Ecological Temple and Sustainability” and “Youth Empowerment.”
Participants can also take tours of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, and the heritage town of Kanchipuram, an area rich in archaeological heritage where Buddhism is believed to have flourished from the 1st to the 5th centuries.
Looking to the future, the conference features hands-on workshops at the Sukhavati Eco-Temple and Auroville, an experimental eco-community founded in the recognition of human unity and aimed at transcending creed, politics and nationality. The Sukhavati Eco-Temple was established by the FHSM as an environmentally friendly and sustainable spiritual centre aimed at promoting human rights, empowering marginalised communities, promoting sustainable agriculture, supporting youth education and providing Buddhist education and practice.
“Embracing diversity requires creating an inclusive environment in which individuals feel welcomed, respected and valued for who they are,” INEB observed. “Such inclusiveness fosters a sense of belonging and ensures that everyone has equal opportunities to participate and thrive. While diversity brings richness and variety to a community, unity brings strength and cohesion where social justice is paramount towards a collective unity that creates positive societal transformation.”
Click here for full conference details and registration information

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.

BDG is the official media partner of the 21st Biennial INEB International Conference. Our coverage will include features from the conference proceedings and a series of in-depth articles from the speakers and their presentations.
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International network of committed Buddhists
INEB – International Network of Engaged Buddhists (Facebook)
His Holy Majesty's Foundation (Facebook)
His Holy Majesty India Foundation (YouTube)
His Holy Majesty's Foundation (LinkedIn)
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The article Engaged Buddhism: INEB to organize 21st Biennial Conference “Buddhist Heritage: Towards Inclusive Societies” in Chennai appeared first on Buddhadoor Global.