Dear Friends of INEB,
This is the first issue of the New Year – 2022, in which we celebrate the life and practice of our dear patron and teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh who passed away on January 22, 2022. We have learned so much from Thay over the years and honor him during this issue. Tributes written by our close friends and members about Thay are being shared in these pages. Also visit INEB’s website (https://inebnetwork.org/thich-nhat-hahn-in-memoriam/) to read all expressions of gratitude and appreciation about him.
You will be interested to read the country reports with diverse information about peacemaker’s dialogue in Bangladesh, monks teaching sexuality education in Bhutan, how dreams of higher education in Myanmar are being killed, the Dalai Lama’s message to COP26, and more. Also, see some news about INEB’s projects and the Spirit in Education Movement (SEM).
The Articles section offers pieces on diverse topics that begins with What Is Sangha? by Thich Nhat Hanh, essential teaching to more deeply understanding our community of Kalyanamitra (“spiritual friendship”).
Bobo Lwin shared his introspective article about developing a socially engaged spiritual response to the climate crisis. Within the international community of Buddhists, the nuns of Plum Village in France are experiencing a revolution with more than half of the monastic practitioners being women. In her article, bell hooks concludes that “it is only love that transforms our personal relationships an heals the wounds of oppression” as she traces her 30-year meditation on love, power, and Buddhism. Jonathan Watts shares perspectives about reconsidering the sustainable development goals in the light of grassroots socially engaged Buddhism. The Articles section ends with A Metta Prayer and a reflection by our advisor and Abbot of the Berkely Zen Center, Hozan Alan Senauke.
Congratulations to Father Michael Lapsley, SSM, of South Africa for receiving the 39th Niwano Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts against apartheid and social discrimination, as well as his support for South Africa’s liberation movement and other peacebuilding efforts. In February 2019, Father Michael gave the SEM Annual Lecture Redeeming the Past – A Journey from a Freedom Fighter to Healer, after which he traveled to Myanmar where he gave training to INEB’s partners on the healing of memories.
Please read the book reviews of Silencing of a Laotian Son by Ng Shui Meng which poignantly narrates the life and disappearance of Sombath Somphone, the author’s husband.
We also honor the passing of notable teachers and supporters, Saneh Chamarik, Sathianpong Wannapok, Paula Green who was a former member of INEB’s steering committee, Charles ‘Biff’ Keyes, and others.
Also, beginning in 2022, two editions of the Seeds of Peace will be published each year instead of three. Each edition will be available on INEB’s website and some content will also be shared in INEB’s monthly newsletter. If you are interested in receiving INEB’s monthly newsletter, please send an email to the INEB Coordinator, [email protected].
We are looking forward to seeing some of you at INEB’s 20th international conference scheduled for October 23 – 30, 2022, which is being hosted by the Jungto Society in South Korea. More information will be posted soon on INEB’s website, social media, and other media outlets.
