Category: Asia

ZHENG HE (1371-1433)

600 years ago one of the greatest human explorers sailed the seas. He was the Chinese Admiral Zheng He who sailed with a massive fleet on seven trading voyages from 1405 to 1433. These voyages were unprecedented in size, organization, navigational technology and financial cost. One fleet was estimated to include some 300 ships to… Read more »

JALALUDDIN MUHAMMAD AKBAR (1542-1605)

Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar ruled the Mughal Empire in India from 1556 to 1605. Known more popularly as Akbar the Great he is considered to be the greatest of the Mughal rulers. He expanded the Empire with key military victories against threatening neighbors. He also established greater internal stability through his long steady reign. Akbar was… Read more »

Th. Sumartana (d. 2002)

Th. Sumartana was an Indonesian Protestant leader who helped found the first interfaith organizaiton in Indonesia, focusing efforts on peace and democracy.

Sulak Sivaraksa (b. 1933)

Sulak Sivaraksa is a Thai Buddhist social activist who has founded a number of organizations focusing on interfaith work to promote global change.

Ouyporn Khuankaew (b. 1963)

Ouyporn Khankaew is a Thai feminist trainer who works to help women, LGBT individuals, and people living with HIV, incorporating Buddhism into her work.