On the fourth day of the conference, the conference focus shifted to the intersection of education and social change. One of the notable speakers to take the stage was Tien Dao Cu Minh, a Japanese Zen monk affiliated with the Soto sect, who has served as the abbot of a temple in Los Angeles for the past 26 years. With roots tracing back to a temple in Japan and having been born within the sanctity of its walls, Tien Dao Cu Minh shared poignant anecdotes from his upbringing, including the challenges he faced as a child and his transformative experiences while residing and practicing at the Vinh Binh pagoda.
Reflecting on his journey, Tien Dao Cu Minh recounted a pivotal moment when he grappled with profound existential questions: “What am I here for? What is my purpose?” It was through this introspection that he realized the imperative to initiate personal change and commit to the path of practice. He emphasized the profound impact of collective effort, noting that while individual progress may seem daunting, the support of a community can surmount any obstacle.
Following his presentation, attendees engaged in a lively discussion, posing questions and sharing insights on the subject matter. Among them, Buddhist Phuoc Ngoc queried the relevance of mindfulness in daily activities, wondering whether multitasking, such as working while reciting prayers, detracted from the practice. Tien Dao Cu Minh offered a simple yet profound analogy, likening the integration of mindfulness into daily tasks to the instinctual nature of driving a car: once practiced, it becomes effortless, allowing for seamless engagement in both tasks.
Another attendee inquired about the tradition of bhikkhu ordination in Japan, to which Tien Dao Cu Minh affirmed its existence, underscoring the continuity of Buddhist practices across different cultural contexts. In this exchange, Tien Dao Cu Minh ‘s insights not only shed light on the practical application of Buddhist principles but also highlighted the universality of spiritual teachings in navigating life’s complexities.
The subsequent session featured Venerable Thich An Giao, the Head of the Thien An Zen Center in Lucerne Valley, CA, delving into the theme of “Empty Pagoda, Silent Bell.” Drawing on the wisdom passed down by his predecessors, he underscored the importance of focusing on the youth in our society. An essential aspect of this, he emphasized, is providing educational classes in English, a language accessible to the younger generation. This, however, necessitates that teachers themselves become proficient in English. Otherwise, warned Venerable An Giao, we may wake up one day to find our temples bereft of occupants, as the youth veer off in different directions.
Venerable An Giao articulated a poignant concern: while the younger generation may not necessarily align with the religious practices of their forebears, offering teachings in a language they understand enables them to grasp the essence of the message. He illustrated this with a compelling example, suggesting that even if one may not resonate with the prayers they recite, understanding them in English fosters a deeper connection to truth.
The prospect of temples falling silent due to a lack of successors loomed large in Venerable An Giao’s discourse, serving as a sobering reminder of the imperative to adapt and engage with the evolving needs of society. Following his presentation, participants engaged in a spirited exchange, posing questions and brainstorming ideas to address the challenges raised by Venerable An Giao.
Question 1 was directed at how to engage young people in temple activities. The response highlighted the importance of integrating teachings into everyday life, suggesting that imparting catechism alongside nourishment could prove effective. In response to Question 2 regarding the efficacy of this approach, Venerable An Giao affirmed his efforts but stressed the necessity of collective action. He emphasized that tackling the challenges of empty pagodas and silent bells requires a concerted effort from every individual, family, and temple.
Furthermore, Venerable An Giao advocated for a pragmatic approach, urging individuals to discard unrealistic notions and embrace Buddhism as a practical, scientifically sound philosophy that resonates with their needs and interests. He emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment within temples, ensuring that children feel at ease and included in the community. In essence, Venerable An Giao underscored that addressing the issue of dwindling temple attendance requires both individual commitment and communal collaboration, alongside an approach that resonates with the practicalities of modern life.
The subsequent presentation was delivered by Speaker Jordan Baskerville, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The topic at hand was “Education and Social Change: Program Goals at the United Nations International Academy Network of Emergent Buddhism.” Baskerville’s discourse centered on introducing the engaged Buddhism program at the INEB Institute, with the overarching aim of demonstrating that by acknowledging the root causes of suffering, much of which stems from societal conflicts, tangible change is achievable.
The educational approach adopted by the INEB Institute intertwines guided meditation for personal growth with instruction on global economics and political structures. This holistic method not only offers insight into Buddha’s teachings but also provides a clear lens through which to understand their relevance in today’s world. The emphasis lies on both individual transformation and collective action as avenues to alleviate suffering, aligning with the teachings of Buddha.
Upon concluding his presentation, Baskerville fielded questions from the audience. The first query pertained to the instructors at the INEB Institute and the possibility of fostering collaboration with the Bo De Phat Quoc Institute, a school catering to young people. In response, it was affirmed that the INEB Institute is keen on building bridges and fostering connections with other institutions.The second question probed the potential acceptance of Buddhism among Americans in the future. Baskerville’s affirmative response underscored the notion that societal attitudes are evolving, paving the way for greater acceptance and understanding of Buddhist principles within American culture.
In sum, Baskerville’s presentation shed light on the transformative potential of engaged Buddhism and the role of education in effecting social change, while also fostering dialogue and collaboration within the broader Buddhist community.