Middle East

In the heart of the bustling city of Jerusalem, amidst the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there exists a group of individuals who embody the essence of Karuna, compassion, through their unwavering commitment to ending the suffering of Palestinian families. Their mission is simple yet profound: to rebuild homes that have been demolished in the occupied territories. …

Karuna (Compassion) in Action: The Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions Read More »

Introduction: Arahant Sunita’s Story In the serene landscape of ancient India, there lived a wise Buddhist monk named Arahant Sunita. He was known throughout the region for his exceptional compassion and his unwavering commitment to peace. Arahant Sunita’s teachings and actions embodied the essence of Karuna, the Buddhist concept of compassion, which emphasizes the importance …

Exploring Compassion and Peace-Building: The Connection between Karuna and Interns for Peace Read More »

The Buddhist teaching of “Right Speech” holds a significant place as one of the pillars of the Noble Eightfold Path. Right Speech is not only about avoiding false statements or refraining from slander but extends to the use of words that promote understanding, compassion, and peace. Rabbis for Human Rights (RHR), an Israeli human rights …

The Significance of Right Speech in Buddhism and its Exemplification by Rabbis for Human Rights Read More »

In the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a group of dedicated women’s organizations came together to form the Coalition of Women for Peace (CWP). This umbrella organization, founded in November 2000, stands as a shining example of the Buddhist teaching of “Metta,” or loving-kindness, in action. The CWP’s commitment to ending the occupation, advocating for …

In the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: The Coalition of Women for Peace (CWP) Read More »

In today’s world, with conflicts and tensions making headlines, it’s reassuring to know that organizations committed to promoting peace and diplomacy are hard at work shaping our future. One such organization is the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace, a non-profit group founded back in 1989. In this blog post, we’ll dive into …

Exploring the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace Read More »

The Roots/Judur/Shorashim initiative, founded by community activists Ali Abu Awwad and Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger in 2014, represents a shining example of the Buddhist teaching on right speech. This Palestinian-Israeli initiative seeks to foster understanding, nonviolence, and reconciliation between two deeply divided communities. In this essay, we will explore how Roots embodies the principles of right …

The Roots/Judur/Shorashim Initiative and Right Speech in Buddhism Read More »

The Parents Circle-Families Forum (PCFF) stands as a profound embodiment of the Buddhist teaching on “Right Action.” This organization, composed of Palestinian and Israeli families who have tragically lost immediate family members due to the conflict, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to reconciliation and peace. As shown in the timeless wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings, …

The Parents Circle-Families Forum: A Beacon of Right Action Read More »

Compassion’s Role in Conflict: Incorporating the Buddhist principle of Karuna, or compassion, into efforts for peace can be transformative. Karuna emphasizes understanding and alleviating suffering, fostering empathy and connection between conflicting parties. By prioritizing a compassionate approach, recognizing shared human experiences and vulnerabilities, Karuna has the potential to soften long-standing animosities and open new pathways …

The Peres Center for Peace: Embodying Compassion in Peacemaking Read More »

The story of Givat Haviva, the national education center of the Kibbutz Federation in Israel, is not just a tale of reconciliation between Jews and Arabs, but it also serves as an extraordinary example of how Buddhist teachings on overcoming anger can be applied to real-world situations. At the heart of this story is the …

The Story of Givat Haviva: A Beacon of Reconciliation Read More »

Introduction: Uniting Through Economic Collaboration The concept of Karma Yoga, with its emphasis on selfless action and contribution to the greater good, finds a practical application in the establishment of joint industrial parks between Israelis and Palestinians. These parks are more than just business ventures; they represent a harmonious blend of economic mutual benefit and …

Karma Yoga and Joint Industrial Parks: A Path to Peace and Prosperity Read More »