DR. ALFREDO SFEIR-YOUNIS Ph.D.
Alfredo Sfeir-Younis: Vision, Mission and a Life of Commitment
Explore the extraordinary journey of Alfredo Sfeir-Younis—a voice at the crossroads of sustainability, human rights, and inner transformation, whose life has been devoted to bridging the inner and outer dimensions of global change. Through decades of work as an economist, spiritual guide, and international advocate, he has consistently challenged conventional thinking and inspired new pathways toward a more balanced and compassionate world.
This unique volume brings together an extensive, carefully indexed collection of his work, including books, columns, interviews, media features, podcasts, and Planet Tara TV content. More than a simple compilation, it offers a comprehensive and integrated view of his ideas, actions, and influence across multiple fields, revealing the depth of his lifelong commitment to sustainability, peace, and human dignity, and inviting readers to reflect on their own role in shaping a more conscious and interconnected future.
This unique volume brings together an extensive collection of Alfredo Sfeir-Younis's work—books, interviews, podcasts, and media content—offering a complete view of his lifelong commitment to sustainability, human rights, and inner transformation for a more conscious world.
A Buddhist Path to Transforming Systems, Not Just Minds: The Social Justice of Conscious Prosperity
We are living at a decisive moment in human history. The social, economic, ecological, and moral crises of our time are not isolated events, but symptoms of a deeper systemic imbalance. They cannot be resolved through technical solutions alone, nor through inner transformation detached from collective responsibility. This book invites the reader to explore a different path. Drawing from the Social Teachings of the Buddha, Alfredo Sfeir-Younis reimagines economics, governance, human rights, and social institutions through a lens that unites spiritual wisdom, ethical action, and systemic change. Here, spirituality is not an escape from the world, but a force for transforming it. Written for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, this work speaks to all who sense that humanity stands at a crossroads. It calls for the emergence of a planetary consciousness grounded in interdependence, compassion, justice, and responsibility toward all forms of life. The moment to choose is now. What we ignore today will shape the world we leave to future generations.
Drawing from the Social Teachings of the Buddha, this book reimagines economics, governance, and social institutions through spiritual wisdom and ethical action. It calls for planetary consciousness grounded in interdependence, compassion, and justice—transformation of both systems and minds for a more just world.
The Path To A Peaceful Planet
In the Spotify podcast episode "The Path to a Peaceful Planet: A Conversation with a Visionary Economist - Alfredo Sfeir-Younis" by "Life with a Lama Healer," released on August 4, 2023, Alfredo Sfeir-Younis, a student of Lama Gangchen, shares insights from his impactful career. As the World Bank's first environmental economist and former Director of its Geneva office, as well as Special Representative to the UN and WTO, his work spanned poverty eradication, human rights, and sustainable development. The conversation explores Lama Gangchen's influence on Sfeir-Younis, the concept of becoming a "200% Environmental Economist," and the profound interconnectedness of humanity and nature. Sfeir-Younis also recounts his experiences presenting proposals for world peace to the United Nations and discusses the significance of Social Buddhism in fostering compassion. The episode emphasizes the power of consciousness in shaping our reality and encourages listeners to strive for a world rooted in love, compassion, and peace, reflecting the wisdom shared by both Sfeir-Younis and Lama Gangchen.
In this podcast conversation, Alfredo Sfeir-Younis shares insights from his career as the World Bank's first environmental economist. The discussion explores becoming a "200% Environmental Economist," the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, and Social Buddhism's role in fostering compassion and world peace through consciousness.
A Call To Humanity
Alfredo Sfeir-Younis posits that the only condition for ensuring a common and shared future lies in the self-realization of mutuality with all sentient beings and nature, a concept he calls "Neljor Sa: The Yoga of Nature." The text describes the severe environmental degradation facing the planet and advocates for a paradigm shift, moving from a mindset focused on "having" (material wealth) to one centered on "being," highlighting the profound interconnectedness with nature and the need for spiritual awakening. Sfeir-Younis argues that world peace is inseparable from a sustainable society, where collective responsibility emerges from the recognition of this interdependence between humanity, sentient beings, and nature. A vision of a sustainable future is presented, characterized by clean water sources, green cities, and the protection of natural forests, all driven by a new era of spiritual awakening and the expansion of a collective consciousness, achieved through contemplation and meditation. "Neljor Sa" is presented as the essential practice for safeguarding this shared future through reciprocal relationships with all life and the natural environment.
Alfredo Sfeir-Younis introduces "Neljor Sa: The Yoga of Nature," advocating for a paradigm shift from "having" to "being." This spiritual practice emphasizes interconnectedness with all life, collective consciousness through meditation, and recognizing that world peace and environmental sustainability are inseparable through mutual responsibility with nature.