Category: Politics

A Story for Buddhists in the ICE-raid Era

First published in 2017 and newly introduced for today’s political climate, Mushim Patricia Ikeda shares a small piece of Buddhist history that she’s never forgotten, and that she hopes we’ll always remember, too.

Who Do We Want to Be in This Moment?

Buddhist scholar Cortland Dahl returns to his native Minneapolis, where he inspired to follow the example of the Tibetan people who have responded to the injustice they have suffered with compassion and wisdom.

Toward a More Skillful Mode of Buddhist Political Speech

"Knowing that so many are engaged in resisting the current violences and attacks on democracy in our nation," writes Gregory Snyder, "my hope is that our Buddhist communities will continue to work to develop a place that encourages our political voices."

Seven Ways to Actualize Skillful Buddhist Political Speech

Let your voice be heard and your presence felt with these tips for skillful engagement from Gregory Snyder.

I Vow Not to Burn Out

Mushim Patricia Ikeda says it's not enough to help others. You have to take care of yourself too.

Matthieu Ricard: The Path to a Compassionate Society

In this video interview, Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard joins Lion’s Roar editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod to discuss compassion as a transformative force for addressing the challenges of our time. Drawing on his decades of humanitarian work with Karuna-Shechen, he shares how altruism can help build a more compassionate and hopeful society.

It’s No Time to Be Neutral

Bhikkhu Bodhi, one of Buddhism’s leading activists and scholars, says there are four steps we need to take to resist Trumpism.

Metta is Not for Wimps

Chenxing Han reflects on the courage and vulnerability required to practice loving-kindness amid political division, offering us a glimpse into how compassion can transform fear into connection in uncertain times.

When Numbness Calls, Choose to Feel

Following the U.S. presidential election, Ravi Mishra encourages us to stay present with our shared heartbreak as a way to counter numbness and dissociation.

I’m Not Here to Be a Vessel for Fear

Kaira Jewel Lingo encourages us to confront our own fears and assumptions with mindful presence and compassion, inspiring a path toward healing a fractured country.

A Time for Bodhisattvas

It is now time to ask ourselves, “What would a bodhisattva do?,” and let that be our guide and inspiration. Lion’s Roar offers us the wisdom of leading Buddhist teachers, leaders, and activists as we contemplate how to meet a dark time with the compassion, courage, and skill of bodhisattvas dedicated to the welfare of all beings.

Toward a Worldwide Culture of Love

The practice of love, says bell hooks, is the most powerful antidote to the politics of domination.

The Path is Peace

Thich Nhat Hanh, in his address to congress, says only listening, mindfulness and communication can remove the perceptions that underlie violence.

How Not to Freak Out

If you find all the bad news overwhelming, Buddhist teacher Judy Lief has some meditations to help you relieve your anxiety.

Now We Wait

It could be anywhere from hours to days — and possible even longer — before we know the outcome of the most crucial American election of modern times. Wth the future direction of the country at stake, here is some Buddhist wisdom to help us while we wait.