The Protector of Men
We have much to learn from the way in which the author views the legal code not as an exclusively legal or political document, but as an ethical one, and one about which Buddhists ought to be legitimately concerned. At the very least, it shows us that Buddhist social and political thought are anything but new.
Class Consciousness: Why Liberating Sentient Beings Means Liberating Society
I tend to think of Buddhist practice as a way of cultivating a mind so stable that such storms leave it unscathed, and I often judge myself harshly when I fail to live up to that standard—when the storm breaks through my mental roof, leaking in toxic emotions, and I’m too exhausted, or cynical, or just plain lazy to apply the Buddha’s teachings. Suffering and delusion are always my suffering and delusion. They are always personal, always private, and always necessitate a private remedy. What I often forget, though, is just how much social, political, and economic structures really do effect our ability to practice the dharma.
Burma's Saffron Revolution Comes To Symposium
Socially Engaged Buddhism at the Edge: Burmese Monks Speak of Torture, Imprisonment Two veterans of the “Saffron Revolution” — the peaceful revolt in August and September, 2007 of saffron-robed Buddhist monks in Burma, who led thousands of people in street marches to protest the brutal military dictatorship in that nation — spoke on Wednesday, August […]
NEW Bearing Witness newsletter: Socially Engaged Buddhism Online
The May issue of Bearing Witness: the Free Newsletter on Western Socially Engaged Buddhism explores the role of online technology in the world of SEB. It includes my first-hand coverage of the Wisdom 2.0 conference and perspectives by activists, scholars and leaders of Buddhist organizations including Roshi Joan Halifax (Upaya Zen Center), Soren Gordhamer (Wisdom […]
Saffron Revolutionary Monks from Burma to Present at Symposium
The Symposium for Western Socially Engaged Buddhism will now include three monks who were major leaders of the Saffron Revolution, and who have cameo’s in the excellent Burma VJ (below), who now live in Utica, NY. These are mature monks with remarkable experience to share. They are working with Symposium presenter Alan Senauke and the […]
Video: Krishna Das & Bernie sing/explain origin of ZP theme song
At a workshop at the Zen Peacemakers’ Motherhouse last Saturday, Krishna Das and Bernie described the origin of the Gate of Sweet Nectar, the Zen Peacemakers’ primary liturgy and “them song”.
Forget farmville: watch our REAL garden grow in real time!
The Montague Farm Zen House garden-to-be, fence posts in, ground tilled. Join our residence program and get involved!
Video interview of Zen Master Bernie Glassman
Tricycle: The Buddhist Review is partnering with theZen Peacemakers to promote Socially Engaged Buddhism by filming interviews with presenters of the The First Symposium for Western Socially Engaged Buddhism, which ZP will host this summer, and posting them on their blog. The event will be a gathering of leading Western activist practitioners, sponsors, and academics […]
Can all dharma centers become tuition-optional Goenka factories?
Have you ever looked at the price tag of a meditation retreat and thought ‘Damn Enlightenment is expensive?!’ I know I have. Have you heard someone say that it is unbuddhist to charge for the dharma? Well, the Buddha’s original followers may not have charged for their teachings, but they also owned nothing but robes […]
Bearing Witness: Buddhist Activism
During the month of April, we invite you to join us exploring Buddhist activism. This month’s issue of Bearing Witness Newsletter features peace, environmental and criminal justice activism. In the Bearing Witness Blog, we will highlight one article at a time from the issue, inviting your comments and questions. This issue highlights opportunities to get involved including a multi-state walk for peace, environmental activism in New York City and the Symposium for Socially Engaged Buddhism, where 7 activists featured in this issue will present.
