What is Engaged Buddhism?




The Jay Forrest Show show

Summary: In this episode of the Jay Forrest Show, I talk about Engaged Buddhism. Thich Nhat Hanh is credited with coining the term “Engaged Buddhism.” It was during the Vietnam War that the term originated. There is a Common Misconception about Engaged Buddhism. Many think of Engaged Buddhism is a new phenomenon, that it is Buddhism that has all of a sudden become socially engaged and interested in social justice. But as Thich Nhat Hanh explained in an interview with John Malkin, “Engaged Buddhism is just Buddhism.” He further explained in Good Citizens: Creating Enlightened Society, he did not invent Engaged Buddhism, he just gave a name to it. “If Buddhism is not engaged,” writes Thich Nhat Hanh, “it’s not real Buddhism.” As Buddhism came to the West, it became necessary to interpret it to a Western audience. In an effort to do that it became necessary to emphasize that Buddhism is an engaged spirituality. Noah Levine, in his book The Heart of the Revolution, explains that “the Buddha was a revolutionary, a radical advocate for personal and social transformation.” So when Thich Nhat Hanh coined the term “Engaged Buddhism”, he was just giving emphasis to something that has always been a part of Buddhism. Socially Engaged Buddhism refers to Buddhists who are seeking ways to apply the insights from meditation practice and dharma teachings to situations of social, political, environmental, and economic suffering and injustice. Research Links http://www.dalailama.com/teachings/training-the-mind/generating-the-mind-for-enlightenment http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=1579 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engaged_Buddhism http://www.thepetitionsite.com https://www.change.org http://www.rockthevote.com http://www.bpf.org http://zenpeacemakers.org http://www.buddhistglobalrelief.org http://www.worldwildlife.org http://www.prisondharmanetwork.org http://www.engagedbuddhists.org.uk http://www.inebnetwork.org Voicemail Feedback Line Your feedback is important, please call 505-750-3121 and leave a voice message to be played on the show. Music Credits Help a brother by Orphan Songs Podcast Survey You can help me better serve you and let me know a little more about you. Please fill out the survey over at the Blubrry Network, the link is: http://www.blubrry.com/jayforrestshow/survey/ Jay Forrest Show Resources My Blog - Read the latest from my personal Blog Beliefs - What are the basic beliefs of Buddhism. About - Who is Jay Forrest? Contact - Contact information including email and phone number. Bookstore - A list of some of the best Buddhist books. Shop - Buy a T-Shirt or Mug and show your support. Privacy Policy - Read our Privacy Policy Subscribe to the Podcast Make sure you never miss an episode of the Jay Forrest Show by subscribing to the podcast. For complete instructions click here.