Peacemaker Circles UK

The UK Zen Peacemakers are going to begin a socially enagaged project in Leicester. We intend to invite people interersted in Zen training and in social action to come together as a circle and create together a project active with a socially-deprived commuunity in Leicester. The circle will plan the project together, first debating which community to work with- perhaps the elderly, children in poverty, asylum seekers etc, and then will put the plan into action, using the skills and efforts of all those willing and able. At the same time, the circle will train in Zen Peacemaker practices- Zazen, the 5 Buddha Energies, supportive liturgy, so that our work together will be grounded in a vision and embodiment of the Unity and Interconnectedness of all Life. If you're interested in getting involved, making suggestions or simply knowing more about it, then contact Chris Zang Starbuck at willowtreeblues@gmail.com

Yesterday Zang was invited to act as stand-in Faith Amabassador for Buddhism for Leicester College for a staff-enrichment event- standing in for Kaspalita from the Amida Trust, who's on retreat. The college inclusion organiser had arranged a "multi-faith speed dating" session, where amabassadors from several major religions sit in a circle, and members of staff could spend 5-10 minutes with each asking any questions before the bell rings and they move onto the next faith ambassador. There were representatives from Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, Islam, Baha'i Faith, Hinduism, Humanism and Secularism. It was an enjoyable event, with good connections made between people, and poosibilities for more multi-faith work together in the future.