May 27

• Class Issue: What is the potential of Buddhism for the next generation? In what ways must it update itself to be relevant in the modern world? Should it become more scientific? What aspects should be brought out and what aspects should be abandoned?
• Presentation: INEB’s Young Bodhisattva training program Many students and young adults today have a strong concern for social justice while also having an interest in inner growth and spirituality. In previous eras, these two concerns have often been separated. Further, Buddhism has often been portrayed as being an individualistic religion focused on the personal attainment of enlightenment. The Socially Engaged Buddhist movement has presented a vision and path for bringing these inner and outer drives together as an integrated path. The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) based in Thailand has a growing network of “young bodhisattva” activists who are developing a variety of approaches to inner personal cultivation and outer social activism.
• Zoom Guest #1: Dexter Bohn (former Communications Director at INEB, Watts Keio Alumni 2019-2020) 
• Zoom Guest #2: Soe San (Myanmar) & Linus Dolfini (Switzerland-Watts Keio Alumni Fall 2023) Soe San and Linus are both working at the Secretariat office of the International Network of Engagegd Buddhists. They have participated in and now help coordinate the two-week international Young Bodhisattva program hosted by INEB at the nunnery of the well-known activist, Ven. Chao Hwei, who has championed gay rights and held marriage ceremonies for gay couples. They will speak about the wide variety of issues and experiences they are having in various parts of Asia.
• Group Work: Create a list of issues that Buddhism should address and offer guidance to young people about, such as developing sexual identity, facing climate change, using social media & then develop Buddhist positions on them.
• Video: The Francisco J. Varela Research Awards for Young Pioneers (4 mins)

Final Reflection & Homework (due May 30 @ 11:00 pm JST): Submit 1 page reflection on: “The World is on Fire”: In this age, there is so much suffering: both inner, as seen in rampant psycho-spiritual illness, and outer, as seen in religious-ethnic & racial violence, the eco-crisis, and now the COVID-19 pandemic. As a young person coming of age in this world, how do you want to respond? Retreating from the world to meditate and gain liberation? Becoming an academic searching the new frontiers of knowledge? Becoming an activist and fighting for social justice? Raising a family and building a new world of interbeing?