Special Report: INEB’s 21st Biennial Conference Concludes in Chennai with Commitment to a Shared Legacy of Compassion and Inclusion

The 21st Biennial Conference of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB), organized and hosted by the socially engaged non-profit His Sacred Majesty’s Buddhist Foundation (HSMF) in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, concluded on Tuesday with a shared commitment to honor the values ​​of compassion, social equity and inclusive social engagement. The gathering, which took place from November 22 to December 3 in the city of Chennai, was held under 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.

“It is such an honour to host the 21st INEB Biennial Conference,” said FHSM Founder and President and INEB Governing Council Member Rev. Gautama Prabhu, addressing an international gathering of scholars, activists, monks, community leaders, teachers and practitioners gathered in Chennai for the symposium. “When the theme of the conference was conceptualised, we emphasised the importance of heritage and how our Buddhist heritage plays an important role in addressing the issue of inclusion. This biennial conference is certainly an epoch-making event in the history of South India, particularly Tamil Nadu.”

“We have great masters and leaders here with us. I would like to especially thank (revered Korean Dharma master, social activist and INEB patron) Ven. Pomnyun Sunim, and my elder brother Harsha Navaratne, the INEB president. Their presence is more than satisfying to me because what is called in Buddhism abhayadanale Days of fearlessness, is one of the greatest gifts that gives us immense courage to move forward. . . . I would like to emphasize that this conference is not about unity in diversity, but about diversity in unity.

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 marginalized 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 conference programme was as diverse as its participants, beginning with a five-day hands-on workshop at the Sukhavati Eco-Temple in Auroville, an experimental commune in Tamil Nadu. The sacred site is built using environmentally friendly and sustainable materials and techniques, and is a focal point for a range of social initiatives in the surrounding community.

The conference itself continued with a series of parallel workshops on Engaged Buddhists on the themes of: Archaeological Justice and Community Participation; Marginalized Communities on Gender, Social Justice and Inclusion; Eco-Temple and Sustainability; and Youth Empowerment.

Due to the sudden arrival of Cyclone Fengal, which brought a deluge of heavy rains and strong winds, the planned archaeological tours of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram and the heritage city of Kanchipuram were scrapped in favour of a visit to the Government of India Museum in Chennai: the second oldest museum in India and housing a valuable collection of Buddhist and Hindu artefacts.

The event concluded with a public symposium, with keynote addresses by senior INEB members, and a two-day meeting of the INEB Advisory and Executive Committees to review the outcomes of the conference and chart the way forward for socially engaged activities and projects.

Addressing the participants in his opening address at the conference symposium, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim observed, “Today I would like to tell you about the Buddhist heritage that has been passed down to me here in India. First, as a Buddhist, I have inherited the heritage of the Buddha’s teaching here in India. Second, as a Mahayana Buddhist, I have inherited the heritage of (the monk and philosopher) Nagarjuna, who was born here in South India and systematized Mahayana Buddhism. Third, Bodhidharma, who hailed from South India, is the founder of Zen Buddhism. As a Zen Buddhist, I have inherited the heritage of Bodhidharma’s teachings. I am who I am today and I was able to visit Chennai because I have inherited all three of these heritages. I thank the INEB officials for inviting me.”

The inclusive gathering of engaged Buddhists from across India and the world was ambitious in scope and deeply explored a multitude of interconnected themes and concerns at the heart of the practice of socially engaged Buddhism. Key issues examined and explored included: promoting peace and social harmony; Buddhist heritage and culture since ancient times; popular support for environmental sustainability, gender equality, child welfare and social justice; spiritual development and practice; strengthening networks and relationships within the global Buddhist community; and encouraging young people to explore and engage with Buddhist teachings and practices.

KV Soon Vidyananda, INEB Board Member for the Malaysian Network of Engaged Buddhists, offered this final thought: “The Buddhist heritage is an expression of the timeless wisdom of the Dharma put into practice. And that is why we are here. It reminds us that true inclusiveness is not about building structures. It is about the transformation of hearts and minds. It is about cultivating a compassion that knows no boundaries and a justice that serves all beings.”

The 21st INEB conference also witnessed several notable events:

• The first international Buddhist conference to be held in the state of Tamil Nadu, providing a unique opportunity to showcase the depth of the region's Buddhist history, heritage and South India's contributions to Buddhist culture;

• 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, which was drafted by a committee chaired by Buddhist reformer and social activist Dr BR Ambedkar.

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 ongoing coverage over the coming weeks will include a series of in-depth feature articles drawn from conference participants and their work as engaged Buddhists.

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His Holy Majesty India Foundation (YouTube)
His Holy Majesty's Foundation (LinkedIn)

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