These words of wisdom from Sulak Sivaraksa rang true to me because of his work with engaged Buddhism. Together with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, The Dalai Lama, and Maha Ghosananda, he formed the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB).
Thich Nhat Hanh, as you probably know is a peace activist and is well-known for his efforts to stop the war in Vietnam. It was he that first introduced me to engaged Buddhism.
This blog is a nice example of engaged Buddhism. Many of my articles are about social activities the I and my fellow meditation practitioners participate in. For example, the following posts reflect some of the social activities that many of us support.
- The Zeitgeist Movement: Zeitgeist Resurrected
- 350.org: The Global Power Shift Is Coming andThree Numbers You Should Know About Global Warming
- Institute for Responsible Technology and GMO foods: Are You Playing Genetic Roulette?
- The Extreme Ice Survey: Is Global Warming Real?
- Human Trafficking: The Horrible Conditions Of Human Trafficking
- Mindfulness in Healing: Mindfulness In Healing Celebrates Four Years
Buddhism is not concerned just with private destiny, but with the lives and consciousness of all beings… Any attempt to understand Buddhism apart from its social dimension is fundamentally a mistake. Until Western Buddhists understand this, their embrace of Buddhism will not help very much in the efforts to bring about meaningful and positive social change, or even in their struggle to transform their ego.—Sulak Sivaraksa |
 Sulak Sivaraksa |
There are other organizations we support including The Buddhist Peace Fellowship, The Community of Mindful Living, Doctors Without Boarders, World Wildlife Foundation, and many more. Most of these have to do with sustainability and preservation of the environment.
What activities to you engage in for the benefit of your community and humanity? Please share.
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