Following the successful completion of the International Young Bodhisattva Program 2026 (IYBP 2026), which concluded in India in early April, the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) has announced that IYPB 2026, a two-week experiential-learning initiative for young leaders and social activists, will continue in Taiwan in October. INEB is now accepting applications from prospective participants for the upcoming program, which will be conducted in collaboration with Buddhist Hongshi College in Taiwan.
The upcoming program will be held under the theme “For Spiritual Resurgence & Social Transformation,” in collaboration with Buddhist Hongshi College in Taiwan from 21 October–3 November 2026.
“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,” INEB said in an announcement shared with BDG. “Through meditation, dialogue, site visits, and community-building activities, participants will deepen their understanding of compassion and courage as tools for social change.”
The recently concluded IYBP 2026 was conducted at the Deer Park Institute in Himachal Pradesh, India, from 26 March–8 April, welcoming 31 participants from 11 countries.
“The students came together for a shared journey of learning, reflection, friendship, and transformation,” INEB shared. “Through meditation, deep listening, the Four Noble Truths, social justice, gender and well-being, digital compassion, theater, films, community dialogue, and site visits, each day invited us to explore what it truly means to walk the path of a bodhisattva in today’s world.”
The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) is a worldwide network of individuals and organizations who are committed to promoting and working toward social justice, environmental sustainability, and world peace. INEB emphasizes the importance of developing an ethical, Dharma-based approach to its work, and encourages members to work collaboratively and respectfully with individuals and organizations upon a foundation of shared values and aspirations. The network also advocates the importance of environmental sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources, and has promoted sustainable development practices in various communities.
“The future of humankind relies on its young generation,” INEB emphasized. “However, growing up in divided societies makes it very difficult for them to realize their potential and positively contribute to society. A great deal of young people’s vitality is expended because of the impact of structural violence, namely poverty, ill health, and many other social and economic inequities in education, housing, employment, and so forth. These conditions create disparities and instability, particularly in communities where development is imbalanced. . . .
“As the struggle for genuine peace and social justice continues, we cannot underestimate the importance of youth in these movements. As youth, Buddhist and otherwise, realize their human potential to contribute to deep and lasting social change, the timeless teachings of the Buddha have great potential to serve as road maps for a peaceful and sustainable world.”
The Young Bodhisattva Program is centered around a three-mode learning process that involves intellectual, spiritual and physical practice, including panels, discussions, community-building activities, meditation practice, and site visits to civil society organizations, government agencies, and Buddhist institutions in Taiwan to explore and understand opportunities and challenges for social engagement, and the roles played by Buddhists and other activists. Program participants will learn to analyze societal structures and institutional sources of power, and critically examine and investigate conditions in their lives and their communities.
“The International Young Bodhisattva Program . . . was established by INEB in conjunction with Buddhist Hongshi College,” INEB noted. “It aims to develop young people’s confidence, capacity, and commitment to social and spiritual transformation. It is an exposure program for youth to learn about social engagement, centered on values of loving-kindness and compassion, in Asia, particularly in the context of Taiwan.”
IYBP applicants should be aged from 20–40 years old, and demonstrate a sincere interest Buddhist practice and meditation, personal transformation and leadership, social engagement and compassionate action, and building a network of like-minded change-makers.
Participants do not need to be Buddhist, but they must be open to learning and practicing in a Buddhist context. Since English is the medium language of instruction, participants must be fluent in English to fully engage in discussions and activities. The application deadline for IYBP 2026 is 1 May 2026.
Click here for full details and to apply
“Whether you were born in a Buddhist family, came to Buddhism on your own, or do not identify as a Buddhist at all, this program is designed to strengthen your understanding of the roots of duhkha, or suffering, in our modern societies, as well as potential ways to address them,” INEB remarked.
“As the struggle for genuine peace and social justice continues, we cannot underestimate the importance of youth in these movements. As youth, Buddhist and otherwise, realize their human potential to contribute to deep and lasting social change, the timeless teachings of the Buddha have great potential to serve as road maps for a peaceful and sustainable world.”
INEB was formed in 1989 by the renowned Buddhist scholar and activist Prof. Sulak Sivaraksa and a group of Buddhist leaders seeking to apply the Buddhist teachings and principles to contemporary social and political issues. Through its global network, INEB works to promote understanding, cooperation, and connection among inter-Buddhist and inter-religious groups, and to actively address urgent global issues such as human rights, conflict resolution, and environmental crises.
Headquartered in Bangkok, INEB has established a wide range of social projects and outreach programs across the region aimed at overcoming suffering and empowering vulnerable communities through the practice of the Dharma and social engagement—such as education and training programs, community development projects, advocacy and lobbying efforts, and interfaith dialogue.
See more
IYPB 2026 Program Description (INEB)
International Network of Engaged Buddhists
INEB – International Network of Engaged Buddhists (Facebook)
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