Buddhist youth from nine Asian countries gather to discuss “inclusive society”
On June 11, 2024, Gakurin and the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) jointly hosted the Second International Engaged Buddhist Youth Leaders Forum online.
Centered around the theme of “Engaged Buddhism and Inclusive Society,” the forum brought together approximately 50 young Buddhist leaders from nine countries—Japan, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore, and Bangladesh. Participants engaged in discussions aimed at formulating a Buddhist response to contemporary global challenges.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from INEB Secretary General Somboon Chungrampree (“Mr. Moo”) and Gakurin President Rev. Kyoichi Sugino. Mr. Moo drew upon the insights of Japanese Buddhist scholar and scientist Mr. Hisashi Nakamura, emphasizing the vital role of youth in transcending national, cultural, and communal boundaries. He highlighted the importance of fostering mutual understanding through dialogue and promoting harmony and culture of non-violence—an increasingly urgent need in Asia.
Rev. Sugino underscored the necessity of integrating wisdom with innovative approaches to address modern-day challenges. He advocated for the use of both religious language, such as Buddhist scriptures and doctrines, and public language, including professional knowledge and analytical frameworks, to tackle pressing global issues such as conflict resolution, economic and social development, and environmental sustainability.
In the session on “Buddhism and Pluralism,” presentations on “Buddhism and an Inclusive Society” were delivered from the perspectives of Mahayana, Theravāda, and Vajrayana Buddhism by Rissho Kosei-kai Counselor Rev. Masahiro Nemoto (Japan), Ms. Anchalee Kurutach (Thailand), and Mr. Prashant Varma (India).
Rev. Nemoto, referencing the Mahayana Buddhist principle that all beings possess an equal potential for enlightenment, emphasized that Buddhists must engage with society by upholding the religious values of loving-kindness and compassion. He highlighted the urgent need to transform modern society—where violence is widespread, the inherent dignity of life is often disregarded, and discrimination persists—into a more inclusive and harmonious community. He reiterated that Buddhist practice, grounded in loving-kindness and compassion, is essential in addressing societal divisions and fostering inclusivity in an increasingly exclusionary world.
In the “Case Presentations” session on “Welcoming Refugees and Migrants,” Mr. Soe Htike San from Myanmar, who also serves as INEB’s youth coordinator, outlined the country’s political instability and worsening economic conditions following the coup. Highlighting the challenges refugees face in accessing healthcare, employment, and education, he underscored the importance of welcoming refugees in accordance with the Buddhist principles of karuṇā (compassion) and mettā (loving-kindness). Meanwhile, Ms. Praphaporn Piyaphatworasakun from Thailand used documentary footage to illustrate the current situation of Myanmar’s refugees and migrants, ongoing humanitarian assistance efforts, and policy recommendations.
In the session “Conflict Transformation in Ethnically and Religiously Diverse Societies,” Ms. Larkhindar Soren from India addressed the tensions between Hindus and other religious communities. He emphasized the crucial role of interfaith dialogue and cooperation in preventing the misuse of religion for nationalist agendas.
Finally, in the “Inclusive Approach to Environmental Protection” session, Singaporean environmental activist Ms. Lavanya Prakash introduced key issues such as gender justice, sustainable forest management, and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices through a participatory development lens. She advocated for the creation of a new economic and political framework grounded in Buddhist and environmental values, including non-violence and contentment. Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Hai Au from Vietnam shared his experiences as an engaged Buddhist youth, discussing his commitment to a zero-waste, minimalist lifestyle as part of his environmental practice.
Following the three sessions, Gakurin seminarians and INEB youth engaged in group discussions on the session themes. The Gakurin seminarians explored various topics, including the current state of refugee reception and visa issuance in Japan, the efforts of Rissho Kosei-kai and Religions for Peace (WCRP) in promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation, and the “Ome Model”—a holistic approach practiced at the Gakurin Ome campus, an international training center rich in environmental resources. This model comprises (1) dialogue with nature, (2) holistic and integrated human development, (3) engagement with local communities, and (4) a sustainable and circular economy and way of life. As they introduced this model, participants engaged in dialogue with Asian Buddhist youth leaders, fostering deeper mutual understanding and friendship.
In closing the forum, Mr. Moo emphasized the importance of Understanding, Solidarity, and Action as key elements in linking cooperative efforts today to global transformation in the future.
Rev. Sugino reflected on the complexity of the challenges faced by society, acknowledging that at times, they may feel overwhelming. However, he reminded the audience of the wisdom of Buddhism and its power for creative response. He stated, “The challenges we face are complex and, at times, overwhelming, filling us with sorrow and helplessness. Yet, we have the wisdom of Buddhism and the power of creative response. We belong to an Engaged Buddhist Sangha that understands how individual spiritual awakening contributes to the transformation of society and the world. Together, let us create a new world.” With these words, he called on participants to take action.
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