Author: Prof. Dr. K.T.S. Sarao

The emerging profit-driven global economy is guided by unbridled development and gigantism. Such an economy is also coming under ever increasing domination of science and technology. Such a development is not only cutting us off from nature and one another but also undermining natural and cultural diversity. One major consequence of this is that our very survival is threatened.

Author: Ven. Dr. Thich Tam Due Lecturer, Vietnam Buddhist University

In matters related to what we now refer to as the economy, the Buddha offered a number of ideas which may be particularly helpful in guiding humanity towards the comprehensive resolution of our past and present day problems.

Author: Ven. Dr. Medawachchiye Dhammajothi
Senior Lecturer Pali and Buddhist Studies Unit University of Colombo

Preliminary remarks

There was a time when Buddhism was seen by scholars, especially western scholars as a teaching to focused only on world transcending liberation of the individual and therefore, with no consideration with regard to peoples day to day problems.

Author: Dr. Dao M. Le

Introduction

I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in the International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Wesak, and to share some thoughts with you on this auspicious occasion, celebrating the birthday of our Fundamental Original Teacher Shakya Muni Buddha.

Author: Rev. ILukpitiye Pannasekara Nayaka Thero

Buddhism came to other countries few years ago by different Buddhist teachers from different countries. They have established it properly and continue up to now.

But, very recently it came to Africa not more than 100 years history of Buddhism. It is very new, but, many countries like as Tanzania, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and South Africa have many Buddhist temples, organizations, centers and academic studies. Therefore after looking way back we can have some happy progress in future.

Author: Amoghamati (Susanne Traud-Dubois)

The registered charity Karutla Deutschland was established in 2006 by a group of German Buddhists. I am founding member and chair woman of Karutla Deutschland. We got inspired to start our work by the example of our sister charity in England, the Karutla Trust. As disciples of the Ven. Sangharakshita, founder of the Western Buddhist Order, we had heard a lot about the peaceful 'Dhamma Revolution' in India.

Author: Ha Vinh Tho (Chan Dai Тhе)

The first of the five precepts (Panca Sila) given by the Buddha to his lay disciples calls on them to "refrain from killing, put an end to killing, rid themselves of all weapons, learn humility before others, learn humility in themselves, practice love and compassion, and protect all living beings, even the smallest insect. They uproot from within themselves any intention to kill. In this way, lay students of the Buddha study and practice the first of the Five Mindfulness Trainings." [1]

Author: Angela Tam

We had some sort of good news last December, when government leaders met at the Bali Summit on climate change. They agreed, to make "deep cuts" to carbon emissions, albeit without specifying how deep. They also agreed to transfer clean technologies to developing countries and reward these countries for protecting their forests.

Aurhor: Most. Ven. Thich Bao Nghiem
Head of Department of Dhamma Propagation, VBS

Author: Christie Yu-Ling Chang
Council on International Educational Exchange and National Taiwan University

What happens when Buddhist women from different parts of the world come together? What do they talk about and what do they learn from each other? What is the significance and impact of cross-cultural exchanges among Buddhist women from Asia and the West?