Special Ministries Discussed at Symposium
Buddhists Ministering on Prison Issues, Five Commitments, Food, Mental Health From prison hospice rooms to rooftop gardens in the Bronx, Buddhist ministers are redefining what it means to serve in the world, according to participants in a panel discussion on “Special Ministries” at the Zen Peacemakers’ Symposium on Western Socially Engaged Buddhism in Montague, MA […]
Symposium: Robert Thurman- Buddhists Have Always Been Engaged
Robert Thurman was a monk ordained by the Dalai Lama and also became an Ivy League professor of religion. One debate that is surfacing at the Symposium for Western Socially Engaged Buddhsim is whether social engagement is part of historical Buddhism or whether it was introduced by a synthesis with Western concepts of human rights. […]
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!
Lacrosse team digs trench for Zen House organic garden
Thank you Deerfield Academy lacrosse team for the trench and tall cedar posts you dug in the garden for the soon-to-be-placed fence. One step at a time, we are creating a hearty garden (20ft x 50ft.) Spots available in residence program for people who want to join in the fun! Please help spread the word.
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.
