Establishment:

The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) began in February 1989 in Siam (Thailand) at a conference of 36 concerned ordained and lay people from 11 countries organized by Sulak Sivaraksa, Maruyama Teruo and other thinkers and social activists Buddhists and non-Buddhists. The network expanded through out years and included members - individuals and organizations - from more than 20 countries from Asia, Europe, America and Australia. Out of this diversity, an understanding of engaged Buddhism has emerged which integrates the practice of Buddhism with social action for a healthy, just and peaceful world. This commitment to global community based on the universal truths of wisdom and compassion guides all of our activities. INEB's areas of concern have centered on peace, human rights, gender issues, spirituality based development, diversity tolerance and interfaith dialogue.

Nature of organization:

It is a distinguish network of activists, spiritual leaders and academics, mainly Buddhists of all sects, at international level that addresses the social issue and commits the social services based on spirituality with collaboration from non-Buddhist fellows. INEB members conduct the activities in variety of issues to serve their own community on decentralization basis. But the members are supportive of one another. The secretariat office will maintain flow of information and support by offering a program to fortify members' capacity and organizing joint activities.

Issues of Interest:

INEB has firm confidence in compassion, non-violence and co-existence as revealed by The Buddha. Confrontation with suffering, analysis and actions to put out suffering, particularly in the modern world context is the core mission. The issues of interest revolve around integration of spirituality and social activities. Issues that INEB emphasized included peace reconciliation, ecology, women issue and empowerment, health, education, human rights, community building, alternative development, role of spiritual leaders in modern world context, etc.

Objectives:

To develop the perspective of socially engaged Buddhism
To promote understanding, cooperation and networking among inter-Buddhist and inter-religious social action groups
To act as center of information related to areas of interest
To facilitate training and workshop that support and strengthen Buddhist and other socially active individuals and groups

Executive and personnel:

a) Patrons
1.  The Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh of Plum Village, France
2.  H.H. the Dalai Lama
3.  The Venerable Kusalacitto, the new patron of INEB
 

b) Advisory Board:
1.  Joan Halifax Roshi (Upaya Zen Center in USA)
2.  The Venerable Phra Paisal Visalo (Think Sangha, Thailand)
3.  The Venerable Khaymar Sarra (All Burmese Yong Monk’s Union, Myanmar)
4.  The Venerable Pomnyun Sunim (Jung To Society, South Korea)
5.  The Venerable Sanghasena (MIMC Ladakh, India)
6.  Sulak Sivaraksa (Santi Pracha Dhamma Institute, Thailand)

c) Executive Committee:
1.  The Venerable Sumanalankar Maha Thero (Parbatya Bouddha Mission, Bangladesh)
2.  The Venerable Nun Lobsang Dhechen (Dolma Ling Nunnery, Dharamsala, India)
3.   Mrs. Dara Viravongse (Laos)
4.   Mr. Raja Dharmapala (Dharmavedi Institute, Sri Lanka)
5.   Mrs. Poolchawee Ruangwichatorn (Spirit in Education Movement, Siam)
6.   Prof. Donald Swearer (Harvard University, USA)
7.   Mr. Ha Vinh Tho (Eurasia Order of Interbeing, Switzerland)
8.   Prof. Park Gwanseo (Buddhist Solidarity for Reform, South Korea)
9.   Prof. Dr. Yo Hsiang-chou (Lay Buddhist Association, Taiwan)
10. Dhammacari Lokamitra (Jambudvipa Trust, India)
11. Ms. Jill Jameson (Australia)
12. Mr. Jonathan Watts (ex officio of Think Sangha, Japan)
13. Ms. Anchalee Kurutach (ex officio of Buddhist Peace Fellowship, USA)
14. Mr. Suresh Boudha (representative from Youth Group, India)
15. Ms. Jennifer Yo (representative from Youth Group, Taiwan)

d) Local Supporting group:
1.   The Venerable Bhikkhuni Dhammananda  (Buddhasavika Foundation, Thai)
2.   Mrs. Venetia Walkey  (Dhamma Park Gallery, British)
3.   Mr. Jeffery Sng  (Santi Pracha Dhamma Inst., Singaporean)
4.   Mr. Baramee Chairat  (Assembly of The Poor, Thai)
5.   Mr. Pipob Udomittipong  (Human Right Commission Office, Thai)
6.   Mr. Hans van Willenswaard  (INEB member, Dutch)
7.   Mr. Teddy Prasetyo  (INEB member, Indonesian)

e) Staffs
Miss Lapapan Supamanta(Executive Secretary