Since the 2nd meeting in Japan in 1997, it has become apparent that it will be difficult for all the members of the group to contribute equally to the selected field of consumerism. Not everyone in the group shares the expertise to tackle the issue. Further, many members are immersed in other issues which have value for discussion and reflection. The meeting and the time since then, however, has provided opportunity for the group to form more of a shared critique of society. In this way, we are looking to address both member's present interests and capabilities and longer range goals of social critique beyond consumerism. Consumerism plays one part in this larger social critique. About three or four in the group are concentrating their efforts on work in this area, while the rest are providing other parts of the larger puzzle. The following is a look at some of the main discussions, writings and activities we are developing as a group.
During this year, we expanded these discussions by enlarging the group of participants. Although much of this interaction involves writing and the use of e-mail, many of us maintain and develop personal contact through visits and work in other areas. Further we created informal meetings in various locales through 1998 and held a one day seminar directly preceding the main INEB conference, "Towards a Culture of Non-violence," held in Sri Lanka from March 1-5, 1999.
1. Transpersonal Psychology and Spiritual Development
Ongoing discussions on the interface between Buddhist ideas and
various modern thinkers like Ernest Becker, Ken Wilber, Erich
Neumann, etc.
2. The Relationship between Science and Religion
A local collaboration in Thailand is being developed among a group
of physical, biological, and social scientists to develop scientific
themes into a basis for personal, social, and ecological morality.
3. Family & Education
A local initiative in Malaysia is bringing together concerned
parents to develop new methods of child care and educational alternatives.
4. Gender & Buddhism : Patriarchy & Inter-Relatedness
Interest in gender violence as its is expressed in consumerism
and in fundamentalist religious movements.
5. Modernity and Culture
Ongoing discussions and writing of papers on the challenges of
getting beyond the collision between traditional and modern culture
in the global age. Participation in the ongoing dialogue with
the leaders of the nine major faiths and the President and Board
of the World Bank.
6. Civil Society, Community and Network Building
Article written for the Society for International Development's
(SID) March 1998 journal on Consumption, Civil Action, and Sustainable
Development. Ongoing initiative to develop the role Buddhism in
the growth of civil society in modern Thailand.
7. New Buddhist Movements & Fundamentalism
Ongoing discussions and writings surrounding the new and varied
interpretations of Buddhism in the global age. Ongoing discussions
in support of the preparation of the INEB conference, "Towards
a Culture of Non-violence", to be held in Sri Lanka from
March 1-5, 1999. Ongoing initiatives to understand the development
of new Buddhist movements in the United Kingdom.
8. Renunciation
Ongoing discussions and writings of papers on the deep potential
of this lost value for our modern societies. The question is how
can it be expressed in a new way that touches the hearts and minds
of the modern individual.
9. Racism and Buddhism
The "color line" extends beyond the personal to demark
structural oppression within the United States, in the West's
dealings with other nations, and within those nations themselves.
Buddhist communities are now openly dealing with issues of their
own racial identity and inclusiveness. We support and join in
this work.
For perspectives on the above topics see our Papers and Viewpoints page