Cultivating Seeds of “Bodhisattava” at INEB training

Lapapan Supamanta

Sixteen young people from Siam, Laos, Cambodia and Shan State came together for INEB’s international training Socially Engaged Buddhist Leadership for Youth during 15 - 26 December 2003. They were young social activists and senior university students with major in social development. The training aimed at transferring concepts of socially engaged Buddhism to the younger generation, enriching their commitment to social responsibility and creating a network of young “bodhisattavas”

The program consisted of four parts. Focus of the first six days was on principle of socially engaged Buddhism. Pracha Hutanuwatr pointed out from the beginning that social activism is not a sacrifice. Rather it is a way to cultivate personal quality in which self-interest and public interest is not mutually inclusive. With limit of time, topics discussed include Four noble truth, Ten Paramita and Akusalamula, five disturbances, Buddhist social and community building principle (vajjidhamma), interdependence and interrelatedness, etc. The participants were introduced to social analysis technique of finding cause and effect to understand social dukkas as well as several socio-political economic theories. Precepts at personal and social level were also discussed.

The second part of the training aimed to provide better understanding on several social issues for participants from Buddhist perspective, e.g. gender injustice, impact of globalization on third world countries, mainstream education, etc. Resource persons were The Ven. Dhammananda Bhikkhuni, The Ven. Sittisak Kittisobhano of Sekiyadhamma Group (a group of socially active monks and nuns in Siam), Mrs. Rajani Dhongchai from Children Village School (an alternative school for the poor and oppressed children) and Ms. Ranee Hassarangsi from FOCUS.

In addition to concepts and practices, community and team building was the third part of the training. The intellectual capacity and commitment need a body to act out, both individual and collective body or community. The Ven. Taweesak, also from Sekiyadhamma Group led the third part through several games.
Knowledge of how to manage one’s own life was another dimension of the training. As a social activist, particularly the young one, there are so many of challenges that endanger one’s hope and happiness. Working against greed, hatred, violence and delusion needs a strong spiritual basis. Meditation is a key and is a strong emphasis in the training. Seeing young people actively and joyfully practicing meditation could be a good sign for our network.

The conclusion of the training was a meeting with Sulak Sivaraksa. The session opened opportunity of free discussion in the related issues. The younger generation learnt a great deal from this old man who is still active in social activity even at the age of more than seventy.

The training was ended by a Beginning Anew ceremony. The participants created a small ceremony as a token to affirm their commitment to social responsibility. The ceremony started with reading of a poem to pay respect to The Buddha, followed by a poem that express their experience of self transformation. The leader of the ceremony announced their commitment for social activity with compassion and wisdom by using non-violent means and practicing mindfulness. The ceremony also affirmed a sense of network among them.

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