Beyond Buddhism

呼吁一场干净、自由和公平的第13届全国大选

2013-05-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

呼吁一场干净、自由和公平的第13届全国大选

“我们期盼国内的多元文化、睿智和灵性经验能为我们社会和环境的利益彼此共享。”

经过两个星期全国性的激烈竞选，马来西亚人将在5月5日投下心中一票。竞选运动和社交媒体上的出现的景象，见证了广大民众积极参与选举进程的历史一刻。

随着投票日的到来，我们对各界人士积极的参与选举，让整个过程充满活力感到鼓舞。同时，我们非常关心选举是否会以自由和公平的方式进行。已经有太多的案例投诉对选民册和不褪色墨水的疑虑。我们强烈呼吁选举委员会紧急回应此事，消除所有的疑虑，以恢复我们对干净与公平选举的信心。

我们特别关注许多在竞选运动中出现的种族主义言论、暴力威胁和行为。最近彭博社的报告指出，自2013年4月3国会解散以来，已有超过2000宗纵火案、打架和其他与选举有关的罪行。艾琳·费尔南德斯在同一份报告中指出，这次的选举暴力数目远远超过以往的大选。可悲的是，在我们写这篇文章时，这样的行为还在继续。
让我们一起来结束这些暴力行为，以便能有一个自由、公正与和平的选举。我们希望全体人民和当选的领袖能以高度的诚信，一起领导和管理国家。这是全体大马人在这历史时刻的共同心愿。

我们不能再保持沉默，我们呼吁所有党派、团体和个人站出来反对这种行为，并尽一切努力，防止暴力和恐惧延续给下一代。让我们以爱和温柔来表达及行动，免于愤怒、仇恨或恐惧。
让我们一起来诚挚的祈祷：让和平的力量成为国家未来的驱动力。
2013年5月5日，让我们以清净心和慈悲心一起去投票吧。

愿一切众生安好，
愿一切众生快乐。

Malaysian Network of Engaged Buddhists
马来西亚入世佛教网络

chinese version (Translation credit Hoo Chee Keong (何智强). Thank you~

Buddhists calling for a clean, free, fair and peaceful GE 13

2013-05-03T07:12:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,
This was circulated to the media today. We feel that through the tradition of our spiritual practice, we need to encourage voices of peace compassion in this situation where especially when there is much anger, hatred and fear.

Please share.

Peace
V

Buddhists calling for a clean, free, fair and peaceful GE 13
A Statement by the Malaysian Network of Engaged Buddhists (MNEB)

“We look forward to a nation where the diversity of our cultures, the richness of our knowledge and depth of our spiritual experiences are shared to the benefit of our community and our environment.”

On May 5, Malaysia will go to the polls after an intense two weeks of intense campaigning throughout the country. Together with the flurry of activities on the campaign trail and on the social media, we are witnessing history unfolding before our eyes as the wider population actively participate in the electoral process.

As the day of election approaches, we are elated by the participation from all walks of life which makes our electoral process evermore vibrant. At the same time, we are very concerned about the election process if it will be conducted in a free and fair manner. There has been far too many cases reports from doubts about the indelible ink to an electoral roll that has received much complains. We strongly call upon the Election Commission to urgently respond and provide us with the full confidence and to clear all doubts that the election process may not be clean or fair. This is the right thing to do.

We are particularly concern by the fact that the election campaign is marred with racist remarks, threats and acts of violence. A recent Bloomberg report, stated that over 2000 cases of arson, fighting and other election-related crimes have been recorded since the dissolution of Parliament on April 3, 2013. This is much more than previous elections, commented Irene Fernandez in the same report. Sadly, such acts continues as we write this.

Let us all put an end to all these acts of violence that we may have a free, fair and peaceful elections. It is the aspiration of Malaysian that on this historic event, the people together with the elected leader that are of the high integrity to lead and govern this country.

Let us not be silent. We call upon all parties, organizations and individuals to speak up out against such acts and make every effort to prevent further generation of violence and fear. Let us speak and act with love and gentleness without anger, hatred or fear.

Do join us with fervent prayer that peace and prevail and be the driving force for the future of country.

Let us all come out on May 5, 2013 and vote. Let us vote with our hearts of wisdom, compassion and peace.

May all beings be well,
May all beings be happy

K V Soon, Vidyananda
on behalf of
The Malaysian Network of Engaged Buddhists (MNEB)

Buddhist Centres and Politics

2013-04-29T10:06:00.002-07:00

A large Buddhist center in Selangor over the weekend welcomed political candidates to present the approval for piece of land. While congrats and sadhu are in order, I am seriously thinking about the timing.

The approval approved in March, yet they waited until the elections campaign period to give out, opportunity for "soft campaign"?

Was the Buddhist society aware that the state government technically did not exists as the state has been dissolved and technically they cannot represent the state to hand out land approvals? Has the candidates broken any election laws?

By inviting the candidates to be present, is the Buddhist society openly supporting ONE party?

These are indeed questions we need to think about and have clear guidelines in for Buddhist societies to act on and not get caught for participating in partisan-politics. Sadly, to some, this event at this point of the election campaign, show that the land approval is more important. Buddhist societies should represent peace, justice and freedom, they must be speak out without fear or favor. Partaking in partisan politics, prevents impartiality.

Something to think about.

Buddha's Ivory too!

2013-04-27T10:34:00.002-07:00

It was reported that in January - March 2012, a massacre of over 600 elephants (of all ages) were killed - mainly for the ivory. Once cannot deny that religion has an important role in the supply chain. Now, what can we do. This is an interesting (but sad) story, please read on.

http://journal.reportagebygettyimages.com/issues/issue-2/gods-ivory/

The ivory trade of today is all about power and elitism. With the main product, religious icons, being traded for huge sums there’s a lot at stake. And it goes all the way to the top. There’s massive corruption and yet, because it’s a matter of religion, it’s not being challenged.

Read the whole story at GOD'S IVORY

Some Buddhist Temples are supporting the trade

Read more, educate yourselves and make changes to save the lives of elephants.

LET US DEFINE OUR FUTURE THROUGH PEACE!

2013-04-26T05:23:00.001-07:00

This is a statement MNEB released this morning. Please share. Thank you!

LET US DEFINE OUR FUTURE THROUGH PEACE!
a statement by the Malaysian Network of Engaged Buddhists (MNEB)

As members of the Buddhist community, we are deeply saddened over the high reports of political violence in this country. The Malaysian police recently announced that a total of 1,056 cases of political violence have been recorded since the dissolution of Parliament on April 3, with 387 cases recorded on nomination day. The recent reports of bombing is worrying and as Malaysia goes to the polls on May 5, 2013, we are deeply concerned that such incidents may mar our election process and may lead to more violence which may have the tendency to destroy our peace and harmony.

We, members of the Buddhist community, strongly denounce such acts of violence. These irresponsible acts must be stopped immediately and that the rule of law be stringently observed and practised by all parties.

Acts of violence can take three forms - through body (physical), speech and thought. These three forms of violence are often interrelated. As we passionately campaign for the candidates and political parties, we urge that this is done without fear and hatred. Fear and hatred will initially manifest itself in thought and speech and this in turn, will find its ways to violent actions.

Let us all rise above the darkness and actively promote non-violence through compassion. Let peace and compassion be the force of our country’s social and political transformation.

May all Malaysians practise self-restraint and be socially responsible citizens. May we all generate a fair and peaceful general elections 2013!

K V Soon
On behalf of the Malaysian Network of Engaged Buddhists (MNEB)

Passion for Change: Helping Children in Tibet

2013-04-17T21:26:00.002-07:00

Let me introduce you to Wanday - a key person who started the TIBETAN EDUCATION FUND in Australia. There will be fund-raiser this Weekend, please share and join.

If you cannot attend, do channel your donations via their website.

click on the image for details

I have not personally met Wanday Dundrop (but l look forward to the opportunity soon). Through a mutual friend, I feel for him and appreciate his passion for change.

Let me introduce you to Wanday and share this story with you (edited for contextual purposes).

I went to India 1994 as a refuge at the age of 18 after finish my high school. I walked with 12 other Tibetans over to Nepal, the journey took as 19 days, it was very hard and difficulty trip. We had many foods to carry with us at the beginning of trip, but shortly run out, so we had to rally on Sampa which is barley floor. We used to eat sampa with snow sometime when cannot make fire for fear of boarder petrol. Sampa is floor so when I eat with snow than it does stuck around your mouth, and it can be very hard to get all in to swallow. We also begged along the way as well.

I only took two cheap Chinese walking shoes, after few days the first one torn part, I used the second one and the throw the old one without thinking the road ahead. Finally the second one gives in, and it can be very hurtful each time when we walk on the small stones. So I had to use the shoes lace to hold them together. At the end even the shoes lace worn out. Galu Thar had given me of his old shoes, which was so nice of him, his shoes is top quality brand and very good and so comfortable. I am always grateful for his generosity.

We arrived to Nepal Capital, and from there the Tibetan refuge reception center sent us to India Dharamsala. I studied English at the Exile Government library for two years. During those two years, I had no formal class, we have many young Tibetan hang around the library to look for westerner, when we see one then go to him or her, ask them “ excuse me, can I practice my English with you?”. I am sure some Aussie been there and know about those people, and I need to tell them, I was one of them.

After two years hard work with study, I finally managed to find a job in Norbulinga institute. I hold position as Café manager for one year, then I been promoted to the manager for museum for one year.

I came to Australia in 1997, I worked as aged care worker for four years in Sydney, and studied English and Tour guide course through Tafe, during that time I also set up Travel Company called snow lion travel. I took two tour group to India, but because of luck of experience and not enough fund, I had to close the company and moved to Brisbane in 2003, have been living here ever since with my family. I have been selling things at Rockelea Sunday market for four years, and work five days as disable support worker. I have visited Tibet many times, I have met many poor families whose living conditions are desperate, all having difficulty to send their children to school in order to get proper education, and feeding themselves, I also met many University students who are living on bread three meals a day due to the school fee. In Tibet the average of labor worker’s wage is 60 Yuan a day which is equal to $10 Au dollar, the university fee per semester is 4500 Yuan. For example last year in my region 3560 students took the exam to university for 260 spaces, and the rest of them go back to farming or other labor works.

Preserving Tibetan culture is vitally important for the future of all Tibetan as well as Chinese.

All these reasons gave me the reason to set up The Tibetan Education Fund Inc with some friends, and my belief is helping others before oneself.

Let's offer prayers for the success of this initiative and for the future of the children in Tibet.

Dialog Harmoni

2013-04-11T05:23:00.001-07:00

Had an interesting experience at the recording of Dialog Harmoni. Thanks to Bro Choon Tat, I got a spot to represent the Buddhist community for two sessions - first one on the uenvironment and the other of spirituality and wealth.

The biggest problem for me is that sessions were in Bahasa Malaysia. While I used to be an eloquent speaker years ago, I seemed to have lost the flair for this language - definately need to speak more, listen more as well!

I like the idea of the program, the fact that different religions came together to talk about certain topics of social interest. Although the format could be further improved to enable more dialogues and discussion, the effort is very commendable.

I look forward to see this idea and the ripple effect takes off and develop greater inter-faith activities to foster a more harmonius and progressive society. To know more about this programme, click on the link below. Check put the airing dates too :-)

http://www.tvalhijrah.com/Rancangan/Rancangan-Bual-Bicara/Dialog-Harmoni.aspx

Well done Al-Hijrah TV!

Thought on the 13th General Elections

2013-04-10T06:10:00.004-07:00

I created a section here.

Source credit.

SECTION: BUDDHISTS TO THE POLLS

Check it out!

Share your thoughts.

Awesome week at Miao Yun Aranya (妙雲蘭若)

2013-04-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Participated in the recent 12th Theory & Practice of Master Yinshun's Thought International

conference and 20th Anniversary of the Founding of Life Conservationist Association - "Ethics of

the Animal Protection Ecology"

Held at Miao Yun Aranya (妙雲蘭若) in Chiayi (Taiwan)

Also presented INEB as a grassroot Buddhist social engagement initiative

(more later)

Buddhists and Muslims must dialogue

2013-03-23T08:49:00.004-07:00

We must work towards peace!

Images source: Telegraph

It is disheartening to see images of violence and distruction.

We do not condone violence.

There must be active engagement to engage in dialogues between Muslim and Buddhists. I feel it is necessary to come together to listen, dialogue and to seek solutions. In the long term, we need to develop greater understanding and collaboration. Buddhists and Muslims from other countries must engage each other in dialogue, show solidarity and support peace building.

Together we can raise above the local sectarian issues, find solutions through the values of our spiritual practice.

Some news below:
Read More
Read More

If you think you can contribute to these efforts, please contact me.

Free Tibet!

2013-03-12T11:07:00.001-07:00

If you missed MARCH 10, lest we not forget!

During a candle light vigil, Tibetan monks gather in support of the anniversary of the 1959 Tibet uprising against mainland China at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Square in Taipei, Taiwan, Wednesday, March 10, 2010.

The 1959 Tibetan Uprising, or 1959 Tibetan Rebellion began on 10 March 1959, when a revolt erupted in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, which had been under the effective control of the Communist Party of China since the Seventeen Point Agreement in 1951. Although the14th Dalai Lama's flight occurred in 1959, armed conflict between Tibetan rebels and the Chinese army started in 1956 in the Kham andAmdo regions, which were subjected to socialist reform. The guerrilla warfare later spread to other areas of Tibet and lasted through 1962.

Reading pleasure, at wikipedia here

‎Video: Role of religions in prevention of Genocide

2013-03-03T08:12:00.002-08:00

‎"Role of religions in prevention of Genocide"
Fourth Regional Forum on the Prevention of Genocide

Gems of wisdom from Ajarn Sulak Sivaraksa..

2013-03-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

Gems of wisdom from Ajarn Sulak Sivaraksa and friends from INEB.

Get ready for the next conference in Kuala Lumpur, November 2013.

Check out http://www.inebnetwork.org/

INEB - International Network of Engaged Buddhists
AC and EC Conference, November 2012
At Kodo Kyodan Buddhist Fellowship in Yokohama, Japan

Video and Edit
Andrew Arnold

Music
"Good Bye Lenin"
Yann Tiersen

黄俊达：入世佛教关怀苦难众生

2013-03-01T09:14:00.004-08:00

A friend discovered this article my good friend, and former class-mate, on Nanyang.com

黄俊达：入世佛教关怀苦难众生

2012-05-24 14:07

菩提工作坊弘法组长黄俊达。

问：什么因缘，菩提工作坊会提供428集会场地？

答：因428事件时间过于匆促，我们来不及召开理事会，提供场地是坊员个人的响应。其实这与与菩提工作坊的道风很接近，我们虽以佛曲弘法为主，但我们有“向世界说哈啰”环节，那是扣应时事课题，如反莱纳斯稀土厂与 Bersih 3.0。我们关心社会、契合入世佛教理念。刚好看到“马来西亚入世佛教徒网络”成立，号召信众响应集会。因此我们决定提供场地。我们在面子书有讨论需要改变，但不认同暴力与嗔恨。我们用适合佛教的方法来参与，于是我们有指南：不喊叫、不握拳头、以慈悲心游行静坐。

问：描述你当天参与428的感受？有何体悟？

答：我本身是蛮理性的人，加上当天负责很多的安排工作，忙碌得没有太多的心情感受，只是当我们步行到某街角，在大热天，坐在十字街头静坐时，深刻想起“十字街头好参禅，灭却心头火自凉”，那时的体会很深很深。

问：428过后，你们有做任何检讨吗？

答：我们不久前参与了由“马来西亚入世佛教徒网络”举办的讨论。共分两环节，一是参与者的心情心得分享，二我们邀请某活跃于“国际入世佛教网络”的成员分享。他分析了入世佛教的理念，包括五部份㈠教育、㈡福利、㈢文化、㈣政治、㈤环保。他认为修行是个人可影响身边的人，但如何应对社会的需求？入世佛教于是关心这个范畴。其实入世佛教不只关心政治、其他四个领域都有，不可偏差，由专业人士或团体去扮演各自的角色，去回应现代社会需求。他不认同一些学者将入世佛教订义为“左派佛教”，人间佛教定义为“右翼佛教”，因入世佛教不局限于政治，它函括各个层面，关怀不同需求的苦难众生。

问：未来有何计划？会继续参与社会运动吗？

答：我认为佛教团体要有主从轻重之分。弘法修行是我们的本位，不应本末倒置。菩提工作坊从1988年成立以来宗旨皆是弘扬佛教教育，但我们也会继续关心、关怀众生的需求或参与社会运动。

Original Article HERE

Buddhist Fundamentalism on the Rise?

2013-02-28T16:18:00.002-08:00

I have been following this episode very closely and I am very disturbed by what I read and see.

This is why dialogues are absolutely essential. The tension will reduce if dialogues are progress, paving the way for possible peaceful resolution.

A Buddhist-Muslim dialogue is now absolutely essential and is in progress. Pray we reduce the possibilities of violence and conflict.

Buddhism and Politics: YES? NO? (Part 2)

2013-02-28T15:36:00.000-08:00

Here is the second part of Buddhism and Politics series. Running towards GE13 in Malaysia, I fear our society may break-up and conflict may arise.

Picture source: asiancorrespondent.com

If the spiritual community is true to its practice, it's not a matter if one should be involved in our country's political process anymore. The question is how?

Buddhism and Politics: YES? NO? (Part 1)

2013-02-27T19:08:00.000-08:00

It's not a matter if one should be involved in our country's political process anymore. The question is how?

We are trained by our Dharma teachers to watch ourselves and watch our minds. We are reminded to be mindful and be wholesome in actions, speech and thoughts. When we close our eyes in meditation our thoughts goes inwards that we find peace within solidarity. As we open our eyes and interact with world around us, the echos of teachers reminds us to keep that same mindfulness and that to be transformed into love and compassion. Both practices are equally important.

We are all inter-connected!

Understanding this is the first step.

正義與暴力

2013-02-20T19:59:00.004-08:00

正義與暴力

人！可以輕易的接受一個經常說謊話的人，甚至容忍謊話背後所做並危害人民生命的種種事情。但是卻很難接受一個非暴力者，引用一些激烈，或被指為含有「暴力」傾向的言說或形容詞。即使言語背後是要、並可以帶出重要的訊息。

人民難道只會一味的幻想非暴力，只會從表面上解讀言論或問題嗎？我們只會批評老實人而讚嘆偽君子嗎？其實，我們應該知道，非暴力是一種願景、一種理想。但並不是說它不可能實現，而是要實現它必須要有一些基本但非常重要的條件。它需要一個中立、公平、與真正愛民的條件。我國的政府都少了這些條件，這是不可否認的事實。要不然為何：SMSL有相關的專家數據，卻無法阻止Lynas的操作，還要付上過堂費；反山埃的已有人證物證，廠方還是運作如常，居民繼續的活在毒氣中；電訊塔的電波超標又如何，一個一個的電訊塔還不是如雨後春筍的出現在各個學校，學生依然要面對「2B」電磁波輻射的危害……大家沒有訴求嗎？大家不夠忍耐嗎？不夠和氣嗎？到了今天，華人新年又到了，我們可否有又「安」又「淨」的新年呢？收到的「1馬」紅包，要用來看醫生、買藥好呢，還是用來辦年貨好？說不好，是用在辦喪事上！

兩、三年前，歐洲以及中東的政府一個接一個的被推翻；遠一點的100年前，中國的孫中山先生起義；再遠一點的300年前，法蘭西之革命；難道他們不曉得這樣的起義與革命是會造成傷亡的嗎？難道他們真的喜好暴力不成？不經協商與訴求就拔槍動刀！我想，若沒有到最後關頭或必要，是沒有幾個人會不約而同，挺身而出的。

在另一方面，有人可能會想到聖雄甘地。是的，他確實是沒有鼓吹過以暴力來爭取獨立，而且是經過多年的努力才取得成功的。不只印度，我國本身的獨立，也一樣是沒有發生流血事件而取得成功的。不過，背後可能有過一些暴力事件，以及犧牲了某些人的利益也說不定。

Politics and Corruption

2013-02-20T19:58:00.002-08:00

Politics and Corruption

Venerable Kong Li (Translation: with students’ help)

17 February 2013.

Editor: The author is a participant of the Green Walk.

Ven Kon Li (Left). Photo by Tan Boon Hui (taken from HH Photo Contest)

Peace is everyone’s fervent wish, but the path leading to peace is still unknown. This is because one does not really understand the true meaning of peace. Peace is not merely the absence of fear.

It is not uncommon to state that generally the Chinese community hate politics. I feel it is more like a phobia rather than hatred of it. Because whenever any topic related to politics is mentioned, regardless of its impact, either big or small, one shudders and shuns it like plague, for the sake of self-protection and playing safe. There seems to be a fear for it. As to why one fears it, it is hard to explain clearly. perhaps it has something to do with corruption and the nature of politics itself.

One’s perception of politics is often associated with infighting, power struggles, oppression of the people and other wrongdoings. In this context, it is important to appreciate the fact that corruption occurs with the “politician”, politics it self is just a form of governance. As much as we do not like the corrupt nature of certain politicians - we cannot escape from it. Understandably, having to live within this situation is in fact, very torturous.

Therefore, rather than suffer in denial, we should confront it positively. If we stop responding in fear and with hatred, we will begin to turn politics into a respectable purpose.

Happy Chinese New Year!

2013-02-08T22:07:00.000-08:00

An Open Letter to Mr Wong Tack

2013-02-08T09:09:00.005-08:00

This letter, drafted key members and supporters of MNEB was sent to all major newspapers and online media reproduced here for readers appreciation.

An Open Letter to Mr Wong Tack

Dear Mr Wong,

First of all, we would like to express our deepest appreciation to you and your colleagues who have spent so much time, effort and resources for a cause that will positively affect our lives and the lives of our children. Unquestionably, a greener, cleaner Malaysia governed by the principles of good governance is the direction we need to head towards.

We deeply recognize that this path you have taken is not an easy one. We have seen and even experienced the obstacles and challenges you faced. Many people would have given up way before this point. But you did not.

We are inspired. We are inspired by your actions and that of your colleagues. You have also motivated many to come forth to support you. Some have done so openly and believe, many more hold that support and admiration in private.

As we are deeply aware of the challenges you are faced with everyday of this battle, the frustration and the seemingly hopeless situation you may feel that you are in. In such situations, pressure can be mounting and it can be easy to just say or do things that you do not really mean.

We understand. We understand that what you have said is a call for help. We hear your call and we are in support of the original intention and vision. You have members of the Buddhist community behind you and support you fully in your efforts. We would also like to call upon all the other friends, members of political parties and NGO to continue their support for you and your colleagues.

We would like to send a reminder to all who support the anti-Lynas movement and those calling for a cleaner, greener Malaysia to continue your support for Mr Wong. It would be imperative to recognize that the enemy is not Mr Wong. The true enemy is the misdirected policies of governance that give way to corrupt practices and allow the destruction of our environment and the blatant disregard of the lives of Malaysians. Our focus is to ensure that we have the right people there to implement and manage policies that are people-friendly, free of corruption and on par with international standards of democratic governance.

We hope that in saying this and with our support, you will continue the work you are doing. Most importantly, be inspired to continue and to give peaceful resolution the chance it deserves.

With this, we continue to hope and dedicate our prayers for you and your colleagues that one day in the near future, the Lynas Plant will be shut down and our country move towards a more sustainable future.

Peace.

With deep appreciation,
Bro K V Soon
Bro Liau Kok Meng
Bro Wong Choon Tat
Venerable Kon Li
Bro Chiam Soon King

on behalf of the of MALAYSIAN NETWORK OF ENGAGED BUDDHISTS (MNEB)

MNEB is a network organization, linking practicing Buddhists who would like see their spirtual pactice go beyond the temple walls. Our aim is to share and encourage social participation and that social change a part of spiritual practice.

On Leadership

2013-02-04T22:38:00.001-08:00

A reflection on Leadership.

Difficult as it may be to be a leader leadership defines a person and the community the leader leads. Here are some pointers (sometimes I remind myself too)

1. Deeds and speech. What is important for a leader is to be able to do what he says and says exactly what he/she does. This is absolutely essential.

2. Principles. What is more important are the principles that fuels the speech, action and thought. With good principles makes good leaders.

3. Living. However, what is most important about leadership is being able to living the life that embodies these principles.

That is why, Buddhist teachings reminds that leadership requires body, speech and mind. They all have to be one with oneself.

Burn Not Books, But Burn Hindrances to Unity and Harmony

2013-01-26T20:21:00.003-08:00

Our Statement to the media today

Burn Not Books, But Burn Hindrances to Unity and Harmony

A statement from the Buddhist Community
27 January 2013

As members of the Buddhist community, we read with shock and worry that on January 19, 2013 on Free Malaysia Today news portal Ibrahim Ali has called on Muslims to seize and burn copies of Bibles which contain the term “Allah” or other Arabic religious words. Subsequently, on Jan 22 the same news portal reported that Bishop Ng Moon Hing, executive secretary of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM), said a copy of flyer urging Muslims to join in a “Malay Bible burning festivities” was found in the mailbox of a Christian priest residing in Butterworth.

We are concerned that such misunderstanding and conflict seems to arise in the name of religion. We are deeply concerned that this whole situation may generate further resentment and may lead to further misunderstanding and conflict that may threaten the unity and harmony of our nation.

As concerned citizens of this nation and spiritual practitioners, we humbly urge all parties concerned to cease the animosity, refrain from carrying out the so-called “burning festivities” and come together to seek amicable solutions. We respectfully call on practitioners of all others faiths to join in to encourage, support and solidarity for peaceful resolutions.

Let's BURN!

2013-01-23T20:53:00.000-08:00

Burning Fire by Petr Kratochvil

Let's BURN!!!

Let's BURN .....
our hatred and seek love in our hearts.

Let's BURN .....
our delusion and seek to understand the hearts and minds of others different from us.

Let's BURN ....
our animosity and build friendship based on understanding and appreciation.

Let's BURN ......
our anger and seek inner peace.

no need permits, not need hailers and loud voices. just close our eyes in silent prayer and meditation! do this often enough and perhaps there comes a time when we do not need to burn anymore.

PEACE!

vidyananda

Affirming the Value of Life and Working towards Interdependent Lifestyles

2012-11-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

Statement on Nuclear Energy by the International Network of Engaged Buddhists

Affirming the Value of Life and Working towards Interdependent Lifestyles

November 10, 2012

The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) through its partner network the Japan Network of Engaged Buddhists (JNEB) and the Inter Faith Forum on the Review of National Nuclear Policy in Japan have been closely monitoring the Fukushima #1 Nuclear Reactor Incident since it evolved from the massive earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011. From November 6-7, 2012, 7 of INEB’s Executive and Advisory Board members, including its Chairman, toured a variety of areas in Fukushima Prefecture including the cities of Sukagawa, Nihonmatsu, Fukushima, Da-te and Minami Soma as well as visiting the high radiation areas of Ita-te village and the Odaka ward of Minami Soma. The concerns that we have developed over the past year and eight months from our partners and from this visit are:

l The ongoing exposure of children and young persons to dangerous levels of radioactivity that continue to linger in the atmosphere and affect food security. Many children have already developed abnormalities in their thyroid glands.

l The devastation of individual lives from the loss of livelihoods and the sudden and continual experience of evacuation and relocation.

l The destruction of community, and in turn highly developed local cultures, as individuals and families choose between remaining in the region or evacuating.

l The ongoing and serious negligence by the Japanese government, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), and other responsible parties of providing timely and accurate information on radiation levels, proper health standards, and appropriate life style responses for people living in these regions.

From not only the experience of Fukushima but the long standing direct, structural, and cultural forms of violence that nuclear energy has brought to the people of Japan and many others around the world, INEB would like to make the following conclusions from the standpoint of an ecumenical Buddhist based organization concerned with social justice as well as personal liberation.

l Nuclear energy is an unsustainable and unsuitable form of energy generation that endangers not only those presently alive but future generations. Belief in the power of such technology to bring us prosperity and lasting happiness is a form of ignorance and delusion.

l Nuclear energy provides nations with the ability to produce nuclear armaments and opens to door to the horrors of the nuclear warfare.

l Nuclear energy has been developed according to the present economic paradigm based on uncontrolled economic and industrial growth by highly centralized power structures at the cost of:

1) the health and well being of laborers working in various sectors of the nuclear industry,

2) the integrity of traditional rural communities based around sustainable lifestyles, and

3) the health and well being of especially of children and future generations.

l Based on these dangers, nuclear energy is not an answer to the problems of fossil fuel use and the problem of global climate change.

In conclusion, INEB will seek to do and to encourage others to join in the following:

l Make widely known the voices and suffering of the people of Fukushima as concrete examples of the dangers of nuclear energy. Inspired by their courage and perseverance, we will offer whatever support we can to their families and children.

l Support education and greater understanding of nuclear energy as well as the development of more regionalized and localized forms of sustainable non-toxic energy generation based on the cyclical principle of recycling all that is consumed back into regeneration, especially among Buddhist temples and communities and through international networking.

l While in solidarity with other like-minded religious communities, support Buddhist priests and temples as well as entrepreneurial community leaders who serve as centers of sustainable living based on the Buddhist values of sufficiency, care for all sentient beings, and interdependence.

Adopted and ratified at the annual INEB Executive and Advisory Board Meeting, November 8-9, 2012 at the Kodo Kyodan Buddhist Fellowship in Yokohama, Japan

More on INEB at HERE