If we are to uphold the dharma, says Rev. angel Kyodo williams, we must stand up to racism and expose its institutionalized forms—even in our Buddhist communities. We are at a critical moment in the history of the nation as well as within the Buddhist teaching and tradition in America. This is the "back of the bus" moment of our time. Fifty years after civil rights laws were [...]
Stand Against Suffering: A Call to Action by Buddhist Teachers
Thirteen prominent teachers explain why Buddhists need to be be politically engaged at this crucial time in the country’s history, in this statement published in Lion’s Roar magazine and co-signed by more than 140 Buddhist leaders. As long as a society protects the vulnerable among them, they can be expected to prosper and not decline. —The Buddha, in the Mahaparinirvana [...]
Love Everyone: A Guide for Spiritual Activists
Real political change must be spiritual. Real spiritual practice has to be political. Buddhist teachers Sharon Salzberg and Rev. angel Kyodo williams on how we can bring the two worlds together to build a more just and compassionate society. Sharon Salzberg: I’d like to start with a meditation. Settle your attention and energy into your body and feel your breath. Find the [...]
Rev. angel Kyodo williams on why she’s hopeful about this moment in US politics
Rev. angel Kyodo williams shares why the incoming US administration provides a great opportunity for activists to come together, take action, and create a new vision for a more inclusive country. In a recent interview with The MOON magazine, editor Leslee Goodman and Zen Buddhist priest, author, and activist Rev. angel Kyodo williams discuss the "spiritual crisis" ignited by [...]
The Great Awakening Beckons
Inside the debut issue of Lion's Roar magazine (formerly the Shambhala Sun), we asked 14 Buddhist teachers to tell us, "What is the most important teaching to proclaim in today's troubled world?" Here's what Rev. angel Kyodo williams, Sensei had to say. Never before have the teachings of the Buddha found themselves in a society as diverse as ours. As Buddhist practitioners, we [...]
Commentary: I May Not Stay Here With You
As she receives ordination into the Soto Zen school of Buddhism, angel Kyodo williams reflects on her path to acceptance within this lineage. By the time this article reaches you, I will have been empowered as an independent teacher in the Zen tradition through a ceremony and process called dharma transmission. While Zen has flourished in the West long enough to bear witness [...]
