The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) today commenced its annual International Young Bodhisattva Program—a two-week experiential-learning initiative for young leaders and social activists held under the theme “For Spiritual Resurgence & Social Transformation.” Hosted in collaboration with Buddhist Hongshi College in Taiwan, this year’s program runs from 22 October–3 November.
“Today marked the opening of the International Young Bodhisattva Program 2025 at Buddhist Hongshi College in Taoyuan!” INEB shared. “Participants from 17 countries have gathered in Taiwan for this two-week journey of learning, reflection, and spiritual growth.”
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.
During the opening ceremony for the Young Bodhisattva Program, the participants made flower offerings in the Great Buddha Hall of Buddhist Hongshi College, accompanied by chanting from the resident venerables. This was followed by opening remarks from both Venerable Shih Chao-Hwei, founder of Buddhist Hongshi College, and INEB founder Ajahn Sulak Sivaraksa, who shared insights on what it means to be a bodhisattva in the 21st century.
“We are deeply honored to have [INEB founder] Ajahn Sulak Sivaraksa and Venerable Chao Hwei join us for the opening ceremony, where they shared profound insights on the role of a bodhisattva in today’s world,” INEB said. “Their wisdom inspires young leaders to embody compassion, justice, and non-violence in their journey of spiritual growth and social transformation.”
Ven. Shih Chao-hwei is a celebrated Taiwanese Buddhist monastic who has earned global renown as a socially engaged Buddhist, activist, scholar, and author. In 2021, Ven. Chao-hwei was the recipient of the 38th Niwano Peace Prize in recognition of her work as a leading voice for liberation, empowerment, and compassionate engaged Buddhism in Asia and beyond.**
The opening ceremony concluded with a Q&A session, before the program participants presented gifts from their home countries to Ajahn Sulak and to Ven. Chao-Hwei.
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.
Based on the wisdom and insights of the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths, 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.
Participants will also build connections with other youths and elders, teachers, and resource people from across Asia and other parts of the world, and will be tasked with mapping exercises on social engagement in their countries and communities, and drawing up action plans to outline what contributions they could bring and how they could foster future leadership in their communities.
“Throughout history, the Buddhist teachings have provided pathways for social justice and transformation. Various modern Buddhist movements aim to integrate these teachings into practical solutions,” INEB observed. “The International Young Bodhisattva Program is a transformative learning experience that aims to develop confidence, capacity, and commitment in young individuals for social and spiritual change.”
Next year, INEB’s International Young Bodhisattva Program will held in collaboration with the Deer Park Institute in Himachal Pradesh, India, from 26 March–8 April 2026.* The Deer Park Institute is a renowned center for Buddhist study and practice and for the study of classical Indian wisdom traditions, in rural Bir, amid the Himalayas. It was established in 2006 on the campus of a former Buddhist monastic institute as a project under Siddhartha’s Intent Society, with the vision of recreating the spirit of the ancient Buddhist university of Nalanda, where all traditions of Buddhism were studied and practiced, alongside classical Indian philosophy, arts, and sciences.
“The world needs leaders who act with both wisdom and compassion,” INEB emphasized. “IYBP blends Buddhist practice with real-world engagement, giving you tools to awaken within and create change outside. It’s more than a program—it’s a path to becoming a catalyst for transformation.”
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.
* Engaged Buddhism: INEB Invites Applicants for International Young Bodhisattva Program 2026 (BDG)
** Taiwanese Buddhist Master Ven. Shih Chao-hwei Awarded the 38th Niwano Peace Prize (BDG)
See more
International Network of Engaged Buddhists
INEB – International Network of Engaged Buddhists (Facebook)
Buddhist Hongshi College
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