The 14th Sakyadhita International Conference on Buddhist Women will begin on June 23 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, running until June 30. Its theme will be “Compassion and Social Justice.”
From the event’s press release: “The theme will set the stage for participants from all over Indonesia and around the world to draw connections between spiritual cultivation, social transformation, and gender justice. […] Buddhist women are frequently excluded from the processes that shape their communities, such as negotiations among governments, scholarly forums, religious leaders, and social structures. Decision makers are often unfamiliar with Buddhist women’s contributions, while Buddhist women may remain disconnected from the larger issues that affect their daily lives. The 14th Sakyadhita Conference will be an opportunity for dialogue about how compassion and spiritual development can help shape a more just and peaceful world.
Indonesia is home to some of Asia’s oldest Buddhist cultural monuments, dating back as early as the 5th century.
Scheduled dharma talks
June 24 Ajahn Brahm on “Buddhism with Compassion, Buddhism with Justice”
June 26 Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo on “The Six Paramitas”
June 28 Venerable Thubten Chodron on “Open Heart, Clear Mind”
Scheduled panel presentations
Buddhist Women of Indonesia
Compassion & Inner Transformation
Indonesian Buddhist Women in Historical Perspective
Buddhist Culture in Indonesia
Implementing Compassion & Social Justice
Diversity & Multiculturalism
Bhikshuni Ordination: Benefits & Barriers
Equality, Respect & Lay/Monastic Relations
The Future of Buddhist Feminism
Buddhist Women & Compassionate Activism
In the Spirit of Compassion
Breakthroughs in Buddhist Education
Interactive workshops
Coffee & Zen
Buddhist Women’s Leadership & the Environmental Crisis
Unlearning Sexism
Batik: Then & Now
Maritime Buddhism & Borobudur
Mindfulness Yoga
Drawing Mandalas
Dharma in Action
Nature as a Vehicle for Healing & Compassion
Exploring Alternatives to Religious Extremism and Violence
The Many Benefits of Relaxing in Meditation & in Life
Sacred Chants in Praise of the Feminine
Women’s Struggles for Freedom
Tai chi
Smiling at Samsara: Life Happens
Women in Religious Leadership
For more details visit the conference website.
