International Young Bodhisattva Program (IYBP 2026)
For Spiritual Growth & Social Transformation
26 March – 8 April 2026
Deer Park Institute, Bir, Himachal Pradesh, India

A collaboration of Deer Park Institute & the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB)

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Program Overview

The International Young Bodhisattva Program (IYBP) brings together young leaders from across Asia and beyond to explore how Buddhist wisdom can respond to today’s global challenges. Through meditation, dialogue, site visits, and community-building activities, participants will deepen their understanding of compassion and courage as tools for social change.

IYBP 2026 aims to empower participants to act with wisdom and purpose, equipping them with skills to engage their communities and create meaningful transformation. This year’s program will be hosted at Deer Park Institute in Bir, India, a renowned center for Buddhist study and practice set amidst the Himalayas.

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Who Should Apply

The program welcomes individuals aged 22 – 40 from diverse spiritual, cultural, and social backgrounds who are passionate about:

 

• • Buddhist practice and meditation,

• • Personal transformation and leadership,

• • Social engagement and compassionate action,

• • Building a network of like-minded changemakers.

Participants do not need to be Buddhist, but they must be open to learning and practising in a Buddhist context.
Since English is the medium language of the program, participants must be fluent in English to fully engage in discussions and activities.

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What You’ll Experience

 

• • Meditative Practice & Reflection – grounding yourself through daily practice.

• • Thoughtful Panel Discussions – learning from spiritual teachers, activists, and scholars.

• • Community Building & Collaboration – fostering meaningful connections across cultures.

• • Site Visits – engaging with local communities and initiatives in India.

The program blends inner cultivation with outer action, giving participants tools to awaken within and create change outside.

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Program Timeline

 

• • Program Announcement: 15 September 2025, 12:00 PM

• • Application Deadline: 1 November 2025, 12:00 PM

• • Shortlist Announced: 15 November 2025

• • Interviews Completed By: 25 December 2025

• • Selected Participants Notified: 5 January 2026

• • Visa Process Begins: 31 January 2026

• • Logistics Information Sent: 13 February 2026

• • Online Orientation: 14 March 2026

• • Arrival at Deer Park Institute: 26 March 2026

• • Departure Date: 8 April 2026

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Costs & Requirements

 

• • Participants are responsible for their own airfare.

• • The program will cover accommodation, meals, transportation and program activities during the program from the 26^th of March to the 8^th of April. Participants are responsible for themselves if they want to stay longer or come earlier. 

• • Full and active attendance is required, including the online orientation (Pre-departure Briefing).

• • Selected participants must prepare:
    

     

    1. 1. Pre-arrival presentation: A 5-minute introduction to their work or country context.
    1. 1. Final presentation: A creative reflection on what being a Bodhisattva means and how to inspire future Bodhisattvas in their communities (e.g., through art, video, storytelling, or other creative forms).

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Deadline to Apply: 1 November 2025

Scan the QR Code on the poster or email: youth@inebnetwork.org

Application Link: https://forms.gle/xbpMFySBQmsMVeG68