Category: Social Justice
Bearing Witness in a City on Edge
Ben Connelly recounts how faith leaders and neighbors in Minneapolis practice presence, care, and nonviolent action. Their example illuminates the heart of Buddhist practice in a time of crisis.
War Close to the Heart
Roshi Joan Halifax reflects on the lasting impacts of war, the hidden wounds it leaves behind, and how we can face the violence in today's world with compassion and equanimity.
Like Fire, We Rise Up Together
Roshi Joan Halifax of Upaya Zen Center looks at the notion of bodhisattva-based, socially engaged, participatory community — and how it could make a real difference in our world today.
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.
We’ve Been Here All Along
Funie Hsu says it’s time we recognize Asian American Buddhists and address the racism that marginalizes their ongoing role in the dharma in the West.
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.
We’re Not Who You Think We Are
Chenxing Han examines the stereotypes marginalizing Asian American Buddhists and reports on the diversity and depth a new generation of practitioners.
Mindfulness for Activists
Butterfly (Tony Pham) on how to act from clarity instead of rage, from compassion instead of fear.
Find Freedom from Bias
Anu Gupta explains how faith, wisdom, and compassion can help us heal from internalized discrimination.
New York Buddhists support detainee Mohsen Mahdawi
The Buddhist Council of New York and the Columbia University Buddhist Association have both called for the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, the former president of the C.U.B.A., who is facing deportation.
New Buddhist Coalition for Democracy launches, issues Call to Action
“As Buddhists, we are called upon to witness, respond to, and resist the ongoing systematic destruction of norms and institutions that allow free societies to flourish,” the Buddhist Coalition for Democracy’s Call to Action reads.
Seeking Buddha in Gaza
As a Buddhist and a Jew, Linda Hess considers how to respond with wisdom and compassion to the violence inflicted on the people of Gaza and the rage she feels about it. Paintings by Malak Mattar.
We Remember: Six Remarkable Black Buddhists
In celebration of Black History Month, we find inspiration in the lives and practice of six remarkable Black Buddhists.
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.
You and Me — It’s All One Thing
James Ishmael Ford finds that an ancient Zen story's wisdom speaks quite well to our confusion around questions of identity, sexuality, and gender.
I Figured I Would Never Find Another: On Being a Queer Asian American Buddhist
For Pride Month, Marissa Wong reflects on her experiences with alienation and community.
The Meditation Police
How can Buddhist centers manage gatekeeping volunteers that treat BIPOC practitioners with suspicion? John Mifsud offers some solutions.
Do I Have to Pick Just One Buddhist Tradition?
Rev. angel Kyodo williams addresses the challenge of sticking to one Buddhist tradition.