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Our world is constantly changing - at times for the better and at times for the worse. Our human race is inevitably thrust into an era of high technology and complexity, but at the same time going through a process of self-destruction through the proliferation of nuclear weapons, mass destruction of the environment, and war. The list goes on. Is technological advancement bringing us closer to doomsday? We cannot ignore the danger signs of man’s materialistic and selfish quest for wealth to the extent of being willing to destroy one another for one's personal gains. "What can Buddhism do in all these worldly matters anyway?" some of you may ask. I, for one, feel that it can play an important role in terms of instilling spirituality into people’s lives for a better sense of balance and equanimity. I'm sure there are many who feel that way too. Everyone of us has a responsibility and a role to play to keep this world safe and secure. We should not merely be concerned with our own little private worlds, enclosed by Buddha images, books or scriptures. We need to open our eyes and ears to our developing world and be more actively involved with issues that involve or impede wholesome growth. For what is the use of going for forest retreats when we continue cut them down in the name of development? What is the meaning of breath meditation when the air we breath in everyday is getting more and more polluted? Can we do anything to change things around for the better?
I feel we CAN make the world a better place to live in. When one becomes more spiritually and socially engaged, we can make the difference. To be spiritually engaged is to be in touch with our hearts; to listen to our voice of peace and harmony. To be socially engaged is to be in touch with the hearts of others; listening to their voices for peace and harmony.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:1. To provide a platform where Buddhists can come together to practice the Buddha.dhamma and to express our concern to the problems of our world.
2. To provide a channel for information to be effectively passed to concerned individuals and an opportunity to exercise their compassion and to act accordingly.
3. To organize get togethers and activities relating to the basic objectives.
We invite you to be part of this casually connected network which we call the ENGAGED BUDDHIST NETWORK to help one another to be more spiritually engaged so that we could be more socially engaged. Buddhists can be actively concerned about other fellow Buddhists, our fellow human beings and our earth which we are entrusted to take care of, so that it may in turn take care of our future generations - this is the social engagement which Buddhists can learn to cultivate. Being socially engaged does not merely stop at the occasional visits to old folks' homes, or the annual donations to charitable organizations, although they are commendable acts to begin with. To be engaged is to feel strongly about our world and our lives and the lives of the of fellow beings - an active concern to promote world peace and harmony. Real peace starts from our own hearts and minds with the overcoming of dukkha through meditation. This is in keeping with the teachings and practice of the Buddha himself who worked not just for personal freedom and enlightenment but for the overcoming of dukkha in society as well.We also keep in touch with a wider international network called the INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF ENGAGEDBUDDHISTS (INEB) and through this network we can share information from elsewhere around the world and keep in touch with other people who share similar ideals.
JOIN USa. There is no membership fee - this is not a society. Being part of the network is by virtue of keeping in touch - with oneself through spiritual practice, and with one another through e-mail and the other methods mentioned below. Any INDIVIDUAL (ordained or lay) can join in.
JUST EMAIL ME and tell us about yourself. I will put you on my email list and send information on news and happenings and events.
There is no fee involved. You are welcome to contribute to specific purposes to be announced from time to time.
Although this is a Buddhist initiative, non-Buddhists supportive to the aims and objectives mentioned above are also welcome to participate in the spirit of social and spiritual harmony.
CONTACTMASEB Network
c/o Vidya K V Soon
43, Jalan USJ 11/2C, UEP
Subang Jaya,
47620 PETALING JAYA Malaysia
Tel/Fax: 03-736 6133
Email: maseb@geocities.com
LINKS
International
Network of Engaged Buddhists
INEB Think Sangha
Buddhist Peace Fellowship
BPF
Bangladesh
Singapore
DharmaNet Homepage
ENGAGED
BUDDHISM/ Queen & King
The
Tricycle Hub
DharmaNet
International
Women
active in Buddhism (WAIB)
Sakyadhita
International
The
Tricycle Hub
Tricycle
Buddhist Review
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