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THE INEB 2005 CONFERENCE
9 (evening)- 11 October 2005 Pre- conference Workshop Transcending Barriers: Dr. Ambedkar and the Buddhist World 12 October 2005 Ceremony to celebrate the 49 th anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar’s conversion 12-16 October 2005 2005 INEB Conference : Buddhism and Social Equality 17-19 October 2005 Pilgrimage to Ajanta , Pitlakora, Aurangabad and Ellora caves (optional) You are most welcome to join our INEB 2005 Conference, for more detail, registration fee and application, please see the program information, or contact [email protected] or [email protected]. Please book you seat before 31 July 2005 .
Program information
To encourage understanding and communication between the Buddhist followers of Dr. Ambedkar and the wider Buddhist world. Introduction to the theme Millions in India (perhaps between 20 and 30) have converted to Buddhism under the inspiration of Dr. Ambedkar. They are mainly from the so-called Dalit communities. Dr. Ambedkar saw Buddhism as a means of bringing about social change based on individual practice. However his followers come from the poorest and most socially deprived sections of Indian society and have little or no resources themselves. They are by and large isolated from other Buddhists in India and from the wider Buddhist world. In India this is due largely to the history and circumstances of their conversion. With the wider Buddhist world it is as much as anything due to poverty on their behalf (they cannot travel easily) and ignorance on the part of others. As a result most of the newly converted Buddhists have had little contact with other Buddhists and very little effective Dhamma teaching. The consequences of this continuing would be regrettable to say the least. On the other hand if they do experience positive contact with other Buddhists they have an enormous amount to gain from a sense of brother and sisterhood, and the confidence that that brings. Other Buddhists have just as much to gain from contact with them, in the figure and approach of Dr. Ambedkar, in his conviction that Buddhism could bring about a social revolution, and in the energy and inspiration of so many of his Buddhist followers. Expected Outcome It is not intended that we come up with a common agenda for future action, although if suitable, practical and feasible suggestions are made they will be considered seriously. Rather we hope that through communicating together as practicing Buddhists not only will the barriers between us begin to dissolve, but individuals and groups will go away inspired to, in one way or another, further this transcending of barriers. Day 1 - October 9 th Day 2 - October 10 th Speakers will be encouraged to prepare frank papers on their understanding and experience on the subject or part of it, e.g. one may prefer to present on the impact of Dr. Ambedkar as a person, and another on what they find helpful and problematic in his approach to Buddhism. Part A. India Five speakers will make 15 minute presentations. There will be 15 minutes at the end for clarification of points. 11.15 tea Five speakers will make 15 minute presentations. There will be 15 minutes at the end for clarification of points. 16.00 tea Day 3 - October 11 th Five speakers will be asked to comment on what they think needs to be done to encourage communication between Buddhist followers of Dr. Ambedkar and other Buddhists, both in India and abroad. They may concentrate on perceived misunderstandings, expectations from others, dealing with very different approaches to Buddhism, or very practical measures. 11.15 tea
Conference General context and issues relevant to the conference The spirit of equality and respect for human rights is embedded in the teachings of the Buddha. Despite his noble birth, he never made use of this against the lower castes and never approved of discrimination of any kind. He expressed this attitude by abandoning all his social advantages and living a simple life equally with his disciples. He insisted that people can be classified only by deed and advancement of merit, not by birth. Moreover, he made it clear that all people are born equal in terms of their capacity for Buddhahood. He established a caste-free, women-included, other faith-friendly community, the sangha - a challenge to his contemporaries. Many of his disciples in the modern time understand the problems of inequality and ignorance of human rights and human dignity, and try to cultivate skillful means in working with these difficulties. Buddhists have the capacity to play a creative role in tackling prejudice and discrimination in terms of ethnicity, caste and class, sex, religion, political ideology, etc. Such discrimination only causes violence and division among humankind regardless of religious affiliation. The 2005 INEB conference will be held in India , where the caste system has been producing suffering for hundreds of years to a great number of people previously called and treated as untouchables, and more recently generally termed Dalits, millions of whom have converted to Buddhism in the last 50 years. In addition, other forms of suffering stemming from inequality and disregard of human rights are present there such as economic disparity, gender discrimination, inter-faith disharmony, etc. The conference is a critical platform for Buddhists to reaffirm their commitment to equality, human rights and the dignity of human beings. Objectives of the conference
Advisory board of the conference
Subject to be covered:
Expected outcomes:
11 th October arrival and registration for those who do not attend the workshop Day 1 - October 12 th Chief Guests : Ven Samdhong Rimpoche; Sulak Suvaraksa; Ven Pomnyung Sunim; Ven Kuang Shin 13.00 lunch introductions, etc.
Day 2 - October 13 th Presentations are invited on these and other subjects related to the theme of the day. i. discrimination and caste prejudice - faced by Buddhists with regard to other dominant communities - caste prejudice within Buddhism ( India , Japan , Sri Lanka etc) ii. social and ethnic inequality - Tibet, Burma, Bangladesh, India . iii. Issues for Buddhist women iv. Economic inequality v. Social equality from a Buddhist perspective vi. Buddhist practices to over come the psychological effects of discrimination. vii. Social inequality and ecology. 12.30 Lunch and midday break Day 3 - October 14 th Presentations are invited on these and other subjects related to the theme of the day.
i. ecology and the environment ii. responding to natural and man made calamities iii. eradicating poverty- social welfare activities, awareness raising, advocacy, and leadership training programmes. iv. Development from a Buddhist perspective. v. Youth participation in Buddhist social action vi. Women’s participation in Buddhist social action vii. Role of bhikshus and bhikshunis as social action leaders. viii. human rights xi. Strengthening global Buddhist networking1 x. Working with people from other faiths1 xii. Social work and action, as Buddhist practice. xiii. Keeping the heart skilful in the midst of social action xiv. Education to promote social equality from a Buddhist perspective .
12.30 – 14.30 lunch and midday Break
16.00-17.00 Tea/posting of main points on paper in hall. 17.00 – 18.00 Group work presentation (Plenary) 18.30 dinner 19.00-21.00 Exposure visit to nearby slum community centre.
Day 4 - October 15 th 10.30 tea Day 5 - October 16 th Welcome to HH Dalai Lama and INEB !2.30 lunch About 200,000 people attend. INEB participants are the chief guests.
17 th October 9.00 am Those returning to Nagpur set off.
Pilgrimage 17-19 October 2005 To the Buddhist caves of Ajantha, Ellora, Pitalkhora, and Aurangabad .
17 th 1.00 am leave by overnight train for Aurangabad . 19 th 16.00 finish pilgrimage. Registration
Registration form : available below Registration deadline : BEFORE 30 July 2005 , and send to Dhammacari Lokamitra Registration fee : There are a lot of expenses for the conference, including bringing over some from south east Asia who cannot afford the fares. There is no local funding available as the hosts use all they can for social and Dhamma work among the Dalit and Buddhist communities. We would like to encourage participants to contribute as much as they can.
Suggested donations for those who can manage it: US$ 325 for the workshop and INEB conference; US$ 125 for the workshop; US$ 200 for the INEB conference. US$ 325 for the workshop, ceremony, and INEB conference.
Suggested donation for others: Indian Rupees 150-200 (US$ 4-5) per day. If you are able to manage a larger donation that would be very helpful.
If you are interested in the pilgrimage, they should us know ASAP and we will send them details including costs. Pilgrimage fee: US$ 200 including a/c train, car transport, accommodation, food, entrance fees for the two days. We may be able to offer concessions if more people join the pilgrimage.
Method of Payment: By cheque payable to: Trailokya Bauddha Maha Sangha, Sahayak Gana By bank transfer to: Bank of Maharashtra , Sitabuldi, Nagpur . 440012 India
7. Contact persons Local Host coordinator : Dhammachari Lokamitra The Jambudvipa Trust Survey No. 247/14B, Deccan College Road , Yerawada, Pune, 411006 INDIA Tel:/fax 91-20-2669-6812 e-mail:[email protected] www.jambudvipa.org/inebindia
INEB Secretariat Office Ms. Lapapan Supamanta - Executive Secretary International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) 666 Charoen Nakorn Road , Klong San, Bangkok 10600 , Siam ( Thailand ) E-mail: [email protected] , www.sulak-sivaraksa.org
REGISTRATION FORM
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