Pu Xian-Norbu Project: Building Buddhist Dykes to protect peoples of the Buddhist World

The Practice of Brahma Viharas in Buddhism

In Buddhism, the practice of the Brahma Viharas is praiseworthy. Among the four Brahma Viharas, mudita (altruistic joy) is a virtue that arises when we rejoice in the good deeds of others. Mudita serves as a powerful antidote to envy, jealousy, and competitive feelings -emotions that often plague our minds. When we genuinely celebrate others' success, we multiply our own happiness.

As Buddhists, we consider the totality of the Buddha’s teachings, which include not only the doctrines and rituals passed down by the great teacher but also how we engage with those who hold different or opposing views. This broader perspective helps us recognize that even those who challenge us are subject to the same fundamental truths of dukkha (suffering), anicca (impermanence), and anatta (non-self). Their actions and beliefs, though perhaps difficult for us to accept, arise from their own conditions and experiences - just as ours do.

This understanding deepens our practice of metta (loving-kindness) and helps us maintain equanimity in all relationships, even those marked by conflict.

Can We Practice Mudita Toward Those We See as "Different" or "Opposing"?

Practicing mudita toward those we perceive as adversaries is not only possible but represents an advanced and particularly powerful form of practice. To practice mudita means to refrain from harboring ill will within ourselves. Holding onto resentment harms us first - disturbing our peace, creating negative karma, and clouding our judgment - while the other party remains unaffected by our negativity.

A Case Study: The Joshua Project

One Christian evangelist group I have practiced mudita toward is The Joshua Project. I have followed this group with keen interest since 2006. Initially, I was taken aback by the audacity of these evangelists, who methodically target vulnerable Buddhist communities for conversion.

The key word here is methodical. If we set aside the emotional reaction to their work’s morality, we can recognize that their organization, clear objectives, and effective methods are something we can learn from. Many times, I have considered how their strategies might benefit us as well.

What Is the Joshua Project?

The Joshua Project is an evangelism tool used by Christian missionaries to identify and reach people groups worldwide. It categorizes ethnic groups by country, color-coding them based on their exposure to Christianity:

- Red – Unreached

- Orange – Minimally reached

- Yellow – Superficially reached

- Light green – Partially reached

- Dark green – Significantly reached

This tool helps churches and mission agencies target their evangelism efforts more effectively.

For example, in Sri Lanka (population: 22 million), the Joshua Project identifies 149 people groups. Of these, 15.6% of the total population is unreached by Christianity, while 43% of the ethnic groups remain unreached. The project pinpoints these groups in red, presenting an ominous threat to Buddhists.

The Joshua Project is supplemented by a printed book titled Peoples of the Buddhist World, which, combined with their website, provides evangelists with potent tools to identify and convert "unreached peoples."

How We Can Repurpose Joshua Project Data for Buddhist Objectives

The Netherlands, a low-lying country, has long battled rising seas by building an extensive system of dykes. Without these barriers, much of the country would be underwater. Similarly, the Joshua Project is like rising floodwaters threatening vulnerable Buddhist communities.

To counter this, we must establish "Buddhist dykes" - a system that identifies red, orange and yellow dots in the Joshua Project and creates an early warning system for temples, NGOs, and Buddhist centers to protect these communities.

Currently, Buddhism lacks a comprehensive mapping of its diverse cultural groups worldwide. We do not systematically track where Buddhists live, their economic status, their school of practice, or how accessible the Dharma is to them. We simply cannot confront well-organized evangelical groups with fragmented information.

This is where the Puxian-Norbu Project comes in.

Why the Puxian-Norbu Project Matters

The idea of a Buddhist "Joshua Project"-style management information system (MIS) was first proposed in 2006 and again in 2016. Though important, the project stalled due to technical and funding constraints.

Now, with AI technology and NORBU’s leadership, such a system is achievable. The Puxian-Norbu Project will:

1. Map all Buddhist people groups and subgroups, identifying underrepresented communities.

2. Flag vulnerable communities (red/orange dots in the Joshua Project) and create an early warning system for local Buddhist organizations.

3. Determine necessary "Dharma protection dykes", such as multilingual outreach materials, social support, and religious education.

Once operational, we will present the Puxian-Norbu Project to key stakeholders like the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB), ensuring its adoption for global Dharma protection.

Why "Puxian"?

Puxian (普贤, Samantabhadra in Sanskrit) is a revered bodhisattva symbolizing universal virtue, meditation, and compassionate action. He is:

1. The Embodiment of Practice – Representing moral conduct, meditation, and selfless service.

2. A Protector of the Dharma – One of the Four Great Bodhisattvas, guarding Buddhist wisdom.

3. A Symbol of Enlightenment – Often depicted riding a six-tusked white elephant, symbolizing wisdom overcoming ignorance.

4. A Guide for Practitioners – Devotees pray to Puxian for perseverance in spiritual practice.

With NORBU’s AI initiative, Puxian’s "Million Eyes and Arms Dharma Protection Program" will become a reality - a reliable MIS system to safeguard Buddhist communities, culture, and faith.

The Puxian-Norbu Project is a collaboration between Puxian Temple / Samantabhadra Vihara (Penang - https://puxiantemple.com/) and NORBU (Buddhist AI by the Buddhist Channel https://norbu-ai.org).

May the Dharma Wheel turn for another 1,000 millennia!