For the first time, a major gathering of Western Socially Engaged Buddhist activists, academics and sponsors is happening, August 9 - 14, 2010, at the Mother House of the Zen Peacemakers in Montague, Mass. In efforts to promote the practice of Socially Engaged Buddhism and inspire members of the Western Buddhist community, the Zen Peacemakers are hosting the Symposium for Western Socially Engaged Buddhism.

This 6-day event will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions led by some of the most influential pioneers of Western Socially Engaged Buddhism. Speakers such as Joan Halifax, Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, anthropologist and author; Bernie Glassman, Zen Master, author, businessman and Zen Peacemakers founder; and Joe Sibilia, CSRwire CEO, Gasoline Alley Foundation founder, author and newly appointed Zen Peacemakers Board Director, will speak and engage conversations about Social Entrepreneurship, Politics, Challenges for Socially Engaged Buddhism and more.

"Joe Sibilia has been a good friend of the Zen Peacemakers for years. As we explore the future of enterprise inspired by Buddhist principles at this summer's Symposium, we'll be counting on Joe's insight and experience in creating businesses that are economically successful, socially conscious and environmentally sustainable," Glassman says.

Other event presentations will be given by Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard and actors (depending on filming schedules) Jeff Bridges, Ellen Burstyn and Richard Gere. For a complete list of presenters, detailed schedule or to register, please visit http://www.zenpeacemakers.org/soc_eng_bud/symposium.htm.

"The Zen Peacemakers have demonstrated that the principles of peace and justice in modern economies need not be relegated to 'sitting on a mat' and thinking about it. Socially Engaged Buddhists are creating new models of business. For example, Ben & Jerry's buys their brownies from Greyston Bakery in New York, which employs people who were formerly homeless, creating a socially-responsible 'win' for everyone!" Sibilia exclaims. "We want to see more examples like this, and the Zen Peacemakers are truly forging the way for Socially Engaged Buddhism to help shape the new economy."

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About Zen Peacemakers
Zen Peacemakers are a force for socially engaged Buddhism. The mission of the Zen Peacemakers is to alleviate suffering in the world through meditation, study, direct social service and multi-faith cooperation. Our three guiding principles that support this mission include Inspiring Dharma students to practice meditation, study and service as a path to awakening; Teaching practices of socially engaged Buddhism in our Residence Training Program; Doing direct service in Bearing Witness Retreats and Zen Houses, where graduates manage holistic social service projects for disadvantaged people and communities.

Zen Peacemakers

Zen Peacemakers

The mission of the Zen Peacemakers is to alleviate suffering in the world by promoting spiritual practice that includes meditation, study, direct social service, multi-faith cooperation and social enterprise. Zen Master Bernie Glassman founded the Greyston Foundation in 1980, a holistic network of community development companies and not-for-profits working in the inner city of Yonkers, New York. Today the Zen Peacemakers leads Bearing Witness retreats and trains leaders to create Zen Houses in the Greyston tradition. As a leader in Socially Engaged Buddhism, the Zen Peacemakers also host an annual Symposium on the topic and release Bearing Witness, a FREE monthly online newsletter sharing the work of all Socially Engaged Buddhists.

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