| Engaged Buddhism is a contemporary movement that | | | | through social and political reform. |
| concentrates on developing Buddhist solutions to social | | | | Nhat Hanh, the monk who first coined the term |
| political and ecological problems. The term engaged | | | | engaged Buddhism is still a leading protagonist of this |
| Buddhism was coined in 1963 by a Vietnamese monk | | | | movement. He had founded the order of inter being to |
| named Thich Nhat Hanh when his country was in the | | | | promote worthy social causes. He has written a book |
| middle of war. He wanted to find a solution to all the | | | | tilted Interbeing in which he has laid down 14 precepts |
| unnecessary violence by applying Buddhist teaching in | | | | of engaged Buddhism. Some of his precepts are |
| a practical manner. Engaged Buddhism seeks to apply | | | | paraphrased below. |
| the traditional practice of meditation and the teaching | | | | Do not be idolatrous. Be broad minded enough to |
| of dharma to solve situations of injustice and remove | | | | receive others viewpoints. Use compassionate |
| suffering whether they be political, social economic or | | | | dialogue not force to help others renounce fanaticism |
| environmental in nature. | | | | and narrow mindedness. Share yourself with those |
| Buddhism teaches that all suffering comes from the | | | | who are suffering by personal contact and visits. Live |
| mind. It strongly encourages people to take | | | | simply and share material resources with those who |
| responsibility for their own suffering however severe. | | | | are in need. Do not keep anger or hatred within you. |
| This way internal peace and contentment can be | | | | Practice mindful breathing so that you do not get lost in |
| retained and the middle path can be practiced in all | | | | your surroundings. Do not create discord. Have the |
| situations. Engaged Buddhism goes one level deeper. It | | | | courage to speak the truth even if it means a threat to |
| says that when suffering arises, one must calm down, | | | | your own safety. Do not use the Buddhist community |
| introspect and then respond to the outside situation in | | | | for personal gain. Practice a vocation that helps you |
| order to help those who are on need. The reaction to | | | | be compassionate. Do whatever you can to protect |
| the situation will be much wiser if one is calm and at | | | | life and prevent war. Respect the property of others. |
| peace with oneself. While maintaining the Buddhist | | | | Respect your own body. These are just a few among |
| emphasis on inward spiritual growth, Engaged | | | | those preached by the monk. |
| Buddhism aims to reduce suffering and oppression | | | | |