A new path of Buddhism is emerging among modern followers who are seeking a more active role in society. The new practice, socially engaged Buddhism, allows its members to honor traditional Buddhism and also voice their opinions on social issues.

Christopher S. Queen, an author and lecturer of religious studies at Harvard University, addressed a small group of people yesterday at the Luther Harshbarger Lecture sponsored by the Religious Studies department.

Queen applied a Buddhist perspective to the events since Sept. 11 by examining the point of view of both the victims of the tragedy and the attackers. He also said by having negative expectations translate into certain negative outcomes, the result is almost always violence.

"More has changed than security procedures at the airport," Queen said. "People are more sober, more attentive to one another. They share the same space, the same time in history."

Queen added that presently society is fearful and angry, with war in Afghanistan and the rumors of war everywhere. He proposed that students follow the lead of socially engaged Buddhists and promote a more calm and peaceful approach to life.

"In the mind of a Buddhist, a bell is like a telephone," Queen said. "When you hear a bell, you should breathe and then smile. You should always smile, because it will make you feel more happy; then pick up the phone. Try it. It makes the phone call go differently."

In addition, Queen discussed the Buddhist concept of Right Speech, the practice of speaking honestly and candidly to another. Queen used the example of responding to a newspaper article.

"Engaged Buddhists feel that writing a letter to the editor is a religious act," Queen said.

Before writing a letter to an editor, a Buddhist would stop and breathe and try to cultivate loving feelings toward the person before he would admonish, chastise or express disdain.

Under this new path of Buddhism, followers are more willing to speak out about injustices and bring about change.

Students had conflicting reactions to Queen's presentation.

"Buddhism with the freedom to speak out against injustice while still practicing traditional Buddhism is a new, controversial topic," said Jenn Davis (freshman-psychology and human development family studies).

Jeff Paradise (senior-meteorology) was disappointed by the event.

"I thought it would be more connected to activism," he said. "I was surprised that the focus was on 9/11. I hoped it would be more informative."

Queen concluded his speech by relating activism to students' experiences.

"Somewhere in your own psyche, whether it comes out in dreams or headlines, you have feelings of your own about right conduct, right speech, right virtue and about the world you are living in," he said.

"You can learn about it or take part in it."