The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) has announced that its International Young Bodhisattva Program, a two-week experiential-learning initiative for young leaders and social activists, is now open to prospective applicants. 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 2025.
“Are you a young leader passionate about engaged Buddhism and social transformation? Join the International Young Bodhisattva Program (IYBP) 2025 in Taiwan!” INEB said in a recent announcement. “This program is designed for young people from all religions, identities, and backgrounds who are committed to making a difference. Apply now and be part of a global movement for change!”
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 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.
“The future of humankind relies on its young generation,” INEB observed. “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.”
The program is hosted in Tao Yuan, Taiwan, at Buddhist Hongshi College, founded by Venerable Shih Chao-hwei, the celebrated Taiwanese Buddhist monastic who has earned global renown as a socially engaged activist, scholar, and author, and as a leading voice for liberation, empowerment, and compassionate engaged Buddhism in Asia and beyond. Applicants should be aged from 20–40 years old, possess a strong command of the English language, demonstrate an interest in Buddhism, spirituality, personal transformation, and social change, and be open to learning with others.
“The content is based on a three-mode learning process involving intellectual, spiritual, and physical practice,” INEB explained. “Sessions will include panels, discussions, community-building activities, meditation practice, as well site visits to understand opportunities and challenges for social engagement in Taiwan and the role played by Buddhists and other activists.
“Participants will learn from the teachings of the Buddhadharma’s Four Noble Truths to develop an analysis of societal structures and institutional sources of power and use various tools to critically examine and investigate conditions in their lives and communities. Participants will also build connections and a network of kalyana-mitta (comprised of other youth and elders, teachers, and resource people) from across Asia and other parts of the world.”
The application deadline for International Young Bodhisattva Program: For Spiritual Resurgence & Social Transformation is 31 May 2025.
Click here for full program details and to apply
“What the Buddha set forth more than 2,500 years ago was a means of discovering truth/Dharma. These truths, passed down to us through the ages, transcend time and remain relevant today,” INEB emphasized.
“In modern times, the Buddha’s teachings are being applied across Asia—via many means—to achieve social justice and equity. The Dharmic socialism of Bhikkhu Buddhadasa, meritism (as opposed to capitalism) by the Asoke Network, Ajahn Sulak Sivaraksa’s teachings on critical thinking, and discourses on Gross National Happiness are just a few examples. Other experiments include the Samdrup Jonghkar Initiative (inspired by Buddhist teachers such as Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche), Buddhist models of leadership and governance (as seen in the model of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Samdhong Rinpoche), as well as peace and ecological actions by many Buddhist movements of the Karmapa and Thich Nhat Hanh. There are quite strong and substantial movements of socially engaged Buddhism becoming internationally renowned, even beyond Asia.
“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.”
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.
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.
See more
International Network of Engaged Buddhists
INEB – International Network of Engaged Buddhists (Facebook)
Buddhist Hongshi College
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