Buddhism and
Social Engagement
Bridging Inner Transformation and
Outer Change
with Dean of Academics Martin Verhoeven
Free Online Event
Thurs Nov 16th 2023, 5-6PM PT (Convert Time)
Join us
How can I embody and apply Buddhist teachings to benefit my community and the world?


Buddhist practice and study can often be viewed as a solitary journey of internal transformation. The Buddha himself left a life as a prince to immerse himself in existential self-examination, and often Buddhism enthusiasts may fantasize running off and meditating in a cave.
Yet at the same time, Buddhist teachings exhort the importance of compassion, generosity, and being of service to others. And as human beings living in an interconnected world, can we ever truly be separate from others? How can we reconcile the emphasis on self-transformation and our undeniable existence of being in the world among others? What does social engagement based on Buddhist principles look like?

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Join us in exploring these questions with Dean of Academics Martin Verhoeven, a scholar, translator, and former Buddhist monk who has dedicated his life to inner and outer transformation.
Verhoeven was part of the counterculture generation of the 1960s, actively participating in anti-war protests and student movements. Then, his deep immersion in the practice of martial arts eventually led him to Gold Mountain Monastery, where he was ordained as a Buddhist monk under Venerable Master Hsuan Hua. In 1979, for the sake of world peace, he completed a two-and-a-half-year bowing pilgrimage across California. Throughout these diverse experiences, he grappled with the question of what it means to lead a meaningful and engaged life.
Come hear from Professor Verhoeven on how profound internal transformation can create meaningful change in your communities and the world. Bring your questions for the Q&A session at the end, and let's explore together!