Leaving in the morning for three weeks in Asia.  First to the International Network of Engaged Buddhists conference, this year in Bodhgaya. Then about ten days in Burma, meeting people, helping to run some community development trainings, and having a glimpse of current circumstances there.

The INEB conference has been a key connecting point for a growing community of friends from all over Asia and the West.  These friendships have been among the richest of my life, and at this point they extend back twenty years.  I am bringing with me an assortment of literature from Occupy Oakland, and the Occupy movement in general.  At last I feel that there is some progressive news of note from the U.S.

Burma, perhaps affected by the Arab Spring’s dramatic events, is experiencing rumors and glimpses of change for the first time in years.  This is marked by some reforms, concessions, and (however incomplete) prisoner release. As I travel between Yangon, Inle Lake, and Mandalay, I look forward to seeing some social and political fluidity for the first time.

Stay tuned here, to the Clear View blog, for my comments along the way.  Take good care.

Alan

P.S. I have added a Paypal button on the Support page.  Donations to Clear View’s work are most welcome.