Staff: Matthew Weiner
Article Date: 1/1/2003
Article Name: Maha Ghosananda as a Contemplative Social Activist
Author: Matthew Weiner
Summary: The twentieth century has been a period of severe testing for Buddhism. In nearly every Asian country where Buddhism has flourished in the past, civil wars, foreign invasion, or sstemic poverty and tyranny have intervened. Meanwhile, Buddist leaders have responded with unique forms of social engagement. The Dalai Lama’s response to the crisis in Tibet, Thich Nhat Hanh’s response to the war in Vietnam, and Aung San Suu Kyi’s response to the Burmese dictatorship come immediately to mind. In the face of severe oppression, these leaders have acted with tremendous force and creativity in a manner that epitomized the non-violent social action called engaged Buddhism. Download full text.
