Living Change

1. Jorge Koho Mello
Making change through education
and by example in
the traditional Zen Buddhist
way as monk & peacemaker

2. Everything we transform, transforms us back
We live in an age of rapid change and transformation. With these short interviews I would like to introduce you to
inspirational people who initiate, cultivate and experience positive transformation on different levels and in different
areas. Rich insights and lessons learned that you might take forward into your own journey.
6 Questions to
Jorge Koho Mello

3. 1. Can you paint me a picture of how you bring change in the world? What do you personally see as your biggest
contribution?
I feel that my biggest contribution to bring change in the world is related to my educational
actions. First of all, through my personal example, living a life-style based on voluntary
simplicity. Then, I try to align my actions with my words, searching for coherence in my
everyday options. Finally, I do my best to apply also in my professional activities the same
approach that I have chosen to my personal life. As Educator, my attitudes are harmonized
with the principles that guide my life. In this sense, I'm continuously searching for
opportunities of networking with like-minded people, and also giving my support for
initiatives that I feel deserving my appreciation.

4. 2. Many change pioneers and activists speak of external and internal transformation. When or how have you
noticed transformation within yourself, triggered by your work and actions?
I think that the first moment was when I have faced a deep personal crisis, that lead me to a
radical change in my professional life, from a very rationalist to a deep humanist field of
actions. Since then, the process is self-nourished, because dealing with the questioning
and suffering of many people, I have opportunity to look to my own inner contents, and
from that point to search for answers and paths for self-knowledge and realization.
Nowadays, more and more I see no gaps between my work and actions in the society and
my inner life.

5. 3. Which experiences or people have shaped your personal transformation (Who inspired or even mentored you)?
What would you share with others to help them shape their journey?
First of all, a real connection with my own suffering and questioning. Then, my Teachers in
many fields of human knowledge and wisdom, from Aikido to Zen, from Shiatsu to
Constructivist Pedagogy. If I could share something with the motivation of support others
journey, I feel that the most important aspect is to find a path that is, at same time,
challenging and kind. In another words, I don't believe in any universal solution or answer,
but in common or meta-principles that every human being can apply for going ahead in his
journey of self-realization. In this sense, an alive example can be a powerful support, giving
us a feasible way to go forward. Also, I believe in proactive approaches, meaning that is
better to nourish our being with auspicious motivations, time for reflection and openness to
exchange in community, wherever we are. Beside these aspects, I think that we must
respect the natural time and human scale: our life is too short for being in a rush.

6. The power of a global crisis - this Covid
19 pandemy - to reconnect us with all
aspects of our humanity, from the depth
of our selfishness to the highest level of
solidarity. I feel that, in some way, as
human beings we need review some
aspects of our culture, linked with our
loss of consciousness about our natural
limits. And that's gonna happen, whether
we accept it or not.
4. What changes do you find particularly moving at this moment?

7. Directly, through participation in activities in
which I'm engaged or membership in our
Communities - like Gaia Education, Zurich Zen
Center and Viasimples. Indirectly, doing your
best to live a meaningful life, respecting the
whole Community of Life, because we are not
separated, at all.
5. How can you or one of your projects be supported?

8. 6. Who would you recommend that could offer transformational experiences and inspirational thoughts?
A good criteria is to look around you for someone that is living a meaningful and beneficial
life. Other possibility is to look for beings that are aligned with the Natural Laws, which are
harmonic and beautiful. In this way, a good source of inspiration can be having real and
regular contact with Nature. In this way, we can learn beyond words, in a direct way.
Finally, I think that it is very important to have an integral learning experience, as Satish
Kumar teach: we must learn with head, heart and hands.
Objectively, here in Switzerland I appreciate the work of my Teachers at Zen Peacemakers -
Barbara and Roland Wegmüller, from Bern. And in Brazil I will have many persons, but right
now I can refer the names of my buddhist Teachers, that give us a message of a daily lige
and social engaged spirituality: the Nun Coen Souza and the Lama Padma Samten.

9. Here you find more resources about Jorge
Email - zurichzencenter@gmail.com
https://www.gaiaeducation.org/face-to-face/traine
rs/jorge-dellamora-mello/
TEDx Talk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjZ52Mlo9Fo
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZcLmTVRId
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