Asian Buddhist traditions have a diversity of festivals that celebrate different aspects of Buddhism. This diversity developed within different nations and cultural settings as Buddhism became established. Buddhist Action Day is a Buddhist festival for Britain. It is intended to be a regular annual event taking place on the 3^rd July.

The name ‘Buddhist Action Day’ was chosen from a range of options by representatives from some well-known Buddhist organisations. Alternatives such as Dhamma Action Day were rejected because ‘Dhamma’ is not a specifically Buddhist term, or because they were too closely linked with a particular Buddhist tradition. The intention for Buddhist Action Day was that it was inclusive of anyone who felt an association with the path established by the Buddha. This also includes more secular movements such as ‘mindfulness’ groups whose members may wish to feel part of a burgeoning community who regard ‘awakening’ as of great value.

‘Action’ was included in the name to counter a common stereotype of Buddhists as being un-involved (detached?) and on the side-lines of life as well as emphasising what brings everyone (including Buddhists) together – right or skilful action. Buddhist Action Day is intended as a day when all well-intentioned folk can meet together and get involved in voluntary action for the good of local communities. This might be focused on the environment or recycling – as in this years ‘earthkind’ Buddhist Action Day –  or on helping a particular part of society such as the elderly and infirm, or some other form of social action. We also intend that the day should be enjoyable and include a meal and be open to those from all faiths or none.

Many Buddhist organisations already undertake a range of out-reach and social action projects and Buddhist Action Day could be a way for you to publicise and showcase the good work that you are already doing.

The closest association between a traditional Buddhist festival and Buddhist Action Day is Asalha Puja Day, also known as Dhamma Day, which celebrates the Buddha’s commencement of his teaching – a very appropriate inspiration for Buddhist action.

Some will have noticed that the acronym of Buddhist Action Day is ‘BAD’ and perhaps felt a little ‘bad’ about this. Having selected Buddhist Action Day as the best name and noticed the BAD acronym, we decided that this was in fact a benefit – not only does it make the name easily memorable and probably quite appealing to some parts of the community, but it gives us the opportunity to turn BAD into good.

We hope that BAD becomes an exciting annual festival driven by enthusiastic individuals that helps to make clear that those interested in the path to awakening are also interested in their broader responsibilities and their interdependence with local communities, and in alleviating common forms of suffering.

For inspiration and to see where Buddhist Action Day could go, have a look at the Mitzvah Day site. Mitzvah Day was set up some five years ago and has become very popular.

The Network of Engaged Buddhists – the NEB – is working alongside the NBO in supporting Buddhist Action Day. Their web site has a growing library of useful material here.

Dear Buddhist Friends,

Please forward this as widely as you like.

Buddhists and Schools: a day conference

Saturday 26th March, Birmingham

Reply to: munisha@clear-vision.org

Please find attached details of a conference for Buddhists who work with schools as part of Religious Education, independently or on behalf of Buddhist charities or places of worship.

Whether you are experienced in working with schools, or thinking about it, we’d love to see you there.

With best wishes in the Dharma/Dhamma,

Munisha

Organiser, Buddhists and Schools conference

Reply to: munisha@clear-vision.org

Munisha (Catherine Hopper)
Director and Education Officer
The Clear Vision Trust
16-20 Turner Street, Manchester M4 1DZ
www.clear-vision.org
0161 839 9579

At its AGM in London on Thursday, 8 July 2010, Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala, Head of the London Buddhist Vihara, was elected as one of the four Vice Chairs of the UK’s Inter Faith Network and NBO’s Interfaith Co-ordinator Yann Lovelock was re-elected as an Executive Member. The National Meeting beforehand had as its theme “Shaping Our Shared Society: The Key Role of Local Inter Faith Organisations” and was attended by several Buddhists engaged in interfaith work across the country. Read Sis. Modgala’s report of the event here…..

Duncan Fisher of the Buddhist Group of Kendal (Theravada) presented a traditional decorated lantern to the group at their recent Vesak celebration held on the 27th May 2010 at the United Reformed Church in Kendal. “Vesak lanterns are very popular in Buddhist countries such as Sri Lanka and Thailand – so I thought it would be nice to try making one” said Duncan, “however, I didn’t realise how much work it would require – in fact it has taken 10 months to complete!”

The festival of Vesak commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment and Passing Away of the Buddha and so Duncan’s lamp features illustrated scenes from the life of the Buddha. “After much hard work  I am pleased with the final result – I hope it serves the group at Vesak for many years to come” added Duncan.

Duncan Fisher pictured with his traditional Vesak Lantern.

The Network of Buddhist Organisations

NEWS RELEASE

Major Reorganisation Announced

Release date: 15^th May 2010

Today the Network of Buddhist Organisations UK (NBO) formally moved to a new, charitable, structure as a company limited by guarantee.

At the NBO’s Annual General Meeting held today at the Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, the NBO committed itself to a policy of ‘Supporting Right Action’; to exemplifying Buddhist values in action whilst providing an informed voice on behalf of the great diversity of UK Buddhist traditions.

The NBO has been active for many years bringing together British Buddhists from many backgrounds and traditions and working on their behalf. The changes announced today are a response to the growing profile of religion in modern British life. This is making increasingly complex demands on NBO time, for information and consultation.
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