June is Buddhist Action Month
European Buddhist Union
The European Buddhist Union presents "Buddhist Action Month" - an opportunity to actively bring Buddhist practices into our troubled world we are living in today. This post gives you an introduction to the concept and hopefully inspires you to take Buddhist action - in whatever form suits you!
Buddhist Action Month (BAM)
"BAM" encourages us to look to the world and take positive action.
There are many troubles in the world. Much of the world lives in poverty. There is violence against individuals and groups of people. The climate crisis continues to unfold causing extreme weather events. We are destroying habitats. We are in the midst of a global pandemic.
As Buddhists we are called upon to alleviate suffering. We can do this through directly offering Buddhist practice and teachings, through maintaining our own practice, and through directly addressing the causes of suffering in the world.
2021 Theme
The theme for BAM 2021 is Lion’s Roar: Speaking up in a Troubled World
Speaking up might look like writing to your government representative, it might look like signing a petition, it might look like sitting in the road protesting, it might be speaking up locally by helping at a food bank or befriending a neighbour, or it might be speaking up for living beings through actions like changing your diet or bank accounts, it might be speaking up for those whose voices aren’t heard.
The Buddha roared the lion’s roar when he spoke truth, with confidence and in a way that inspired others. How can we speak with those same qualities?
The BAM Handbook
Download the 2021 handbook now. Full of ideas and inspiration for Buddhist Action Month.
Save the date
June 16th 1900 – 2000 BST BAM Check-in
What action are we taking, and how are we doing? A sharing and listening space Zoom invite coming soon. Check the BAM calendar or sign up to the BAM mailing list or the eco-dharma mailing list to receive joining details.
Green Buddhist Action Days
The Swedish Buddhist Community invite you to join them in committing to at least one plant-based diet day per month. Download their invite now.
What you can do right now
Download the BAM Handbook
Look at this list of Ideas for Action
Download the European Action Day information pack and join us on June 5th
Download the Green Buddhist Action Days (plant based day) information
Sign up to the BAM newsletter – we’ll let you know as soon as the handbook is ready
Download the Events Planning Guide
View the BAM 2021 Calendar
Start talking to your local centre or group about Buddhist Action Month
Connect with existing groups that are dedicated to social engagement
Join the BAM Facebook group
Look at the BAM resources on Buddhism and the Climate Crisis
Have a look at the special offer for BAM participants from Ethical Consumer magazine
Check back on this page for updated resources and the handbook.
If you have any questions feel free to write an email to Kaspa Thompson at bam@nbo.org.uk
BAM was founded by the Network of Buddhist Organisations in 2012. Individuals, groups and centres take part in June each year. Initially a UK initiative, groups from across the world now take part.
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