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 Sutta

Buddhism does not align itself with any party or ideology. But when great suffering is at stake, Buddhists must take a stand against it, with loving-kindness, wisdom, calm minds, and courage.

Committed to compassion, we follow the example of the bodhisattva Kwan Yin, “she who hears the cries of the world.” Like her, we listen to the cries of suffering people and do everything in our power to help and protect them.

In this time of crisis, we hear the cries of millions who will suffer from regressive policies of the new U.S. administration targeting our most vulnerable communities. We hear the cries of a nation whose democracy and social fabric are at risk. We join in solidarity with many others who are also hearing these cries, knowing that together we can be a remarkable force for transformation and liberation.

Religious leaders and practitioners have always played a vital role in movements for justice and social progress, contributing their wisdom, love, courage, and commitment to others. People of all faiths are needed on the front lines now, resisting policies that will cause harm and offering a new and positive vision for our country.

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We believe that Buddhist teachers and practitioners should be among them, locking arms with all people of goodwill to protect the vulnerable, counter systemic violence and oppression, and work for a more just and caring society. Buddhism is respected around the world as a religion of compassion and peace. We are wanted and needed in this movement, and we have much to contribute.

Buddhism in the United States brings together people of many different backgrounds, interests, and views. Some Buddhists emphasize meditation practice, while others focus on study, community, or faith. Some are politically liberal and others conservative. Some prefer to keep their Buddhist practice separate from political and social issues, while others are deeply engaged.

Facing the reality of this suffering, we remember that peacefulness does not mean passiveness and nonattachment does not mean nonengagement.

Yet one thing binds us together: our commitment to ease the suffering of all beings. The dharma is not an excuse to turn away from the suffering of the world, nor is it a sedative to get us comfortably through painful times. It is a powerful teaching that frees and strengthens us to work diligently for the liberation of beings from suffering.

What is happening now strikes at the heart of this, our central commitment as Buddhists. It transcends our differences and calls us to action. If the policies of the new administration prevail, millions of people in vulnerable and less privileged communities will suffer. Hopes will be dashed. Undoubtedly, lives will be lost. International conflict will intensify and environmental destruction will worsen.

Facing the reality of this suffering, we remember that peacefulness does not mean passiveness and nonattachment does not mean nonengagement.

Today, we ask ourselves: What does it mean to be Kwan Yin in the modern world? What does it mean to be a bodhisattva-citizen, someone who is willing to engage with society to help protect and awaken others? Examining our deepest values as Buddhists, we discern through wisdom the most skillful ways to live and uphold them.

The wisdom teaching of inter-dependence is the bodhisattva-citizen’s guide to the web of causes and conditions that create suffering. While Buddhism has traditionally emphasized the personal causes of suffering, today we also discern how the three poisons of greed, aggression, and indifference operate through political, economic, and social systems to cause suffering on a vast scale.

While continuing to work with ego and the three poisons in our personal practice, the insight of interdependence calls us to address the societal causes of suffering as well. As we resist the heightened threat of many of the new administration’s policies, we also recognize that underrepresented and oppressed communities in the United States have long suffered from systemic greed, aggression, aversion, and indifference.

While some argue that the principle of nonduality suggests that Buddhists should not engage in or take sides on political or social issues, we believe the opposite is true. It is because we and others are not separate that we must act.

The wisdom of interdependence deepens and inspires our compassion. Understanding that none of us is separate, we know that the suffering of others is our suffering. While some argue that the principle of nonduality suggests that Buddhists should not engage in or take sides on political or social issues, we believe the opposite is true. It is because we and others are not separate that we must act.

Whatever our political perspective, now is the season to stand up for what matters. To stand against hate. To stand for respect. To stand for protection of the vulnerable. To care for the earth.

We can see clearly the work ahead of us. It is the work of love and wisdom in the face of racism, gender- and sexual orientation-based violence, xenophobia, economic injustice, war, and environmental degradation. We have to work together to shift the tide toward what will benefit our children, the natural world, and the future.

As Buddhists, we know that real change begins with ourselves. We must explore and expose our own privilege and areas of ignorance, and address racism, misogyny, class prejudice, and more in our communities. We can set an example for the broader society by creating safe, respectful, and inclusive sanghas.

Our Buddhist communities can become centers of protection and vision. This can take many forms. It can mean providing sanctuary for those in danger or skilfully confronting those whose actions would harm the vulnerable among us. It can be standing up for the environment or becoming an active ally for those targeted by hate and prejudice.

It is true that our numbers are small, yet we can join with others who share our convictions and values. For those who are new to this, please remember that there are many people who have dedicated their lives to the work of social change. They have the useful skills of compassionate organizing and building sustainable movements. Find them, get involved, and learn from them.

More than ever, we have to be compassionate, brave, and engaged bodhisattvas.

While we share a common commitment to ease the suffering of sentient beings, that does not mean all Buddhists should or can respond in the same way. Some will march and engage in direct action. Others will support community well-being through clinics, gardens, criminal justice reform, or youth empowerment. Some will work in the next election, some will meditate more, and others will try to be kinder and more civil in their day-to-day interactions. Some manifestations of Kwan Yin have a thousand arms because there are many ways to serve others.

For now, we prepare to face challenging and stressful times. To prevail, we must hold fast to our timeless ideals of wisdom, love, compassion, and justice. We must maintain our faith that, while ignorance and hatred may at times be dominant, through concerted action patiently pursued we can create a society based on justice, love, and human unity.

More than ever, we have to be compassionate, brave, and engaged bodhisattvas. Like Kwan Yin, we hear the cries of a suffering world and, with wisdom and love, we respond.

Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi, Buddhist Global Relief

Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin, Nichiren Order of North America

Zoketsu Norman Fischer, Everyday Zen Foundation

Roshi Joan Halifax, Upaya Zen Center

Mushim Patricia Ikeda, East Bay Meditation Center

Jack Kornfield, Spirit Rock Meditation Center

Ethan Nichtern, Senior Teacher in Residence, New York Shambhala community, 2010-2018.

Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara, Village Zendo

Lama Rod Owens, Natural Dharma Fellowship

Gina Sharpe, New York Insight Meditation Center

Rev. Kosen Gregory Snyder, Brooklyn Zen Center

& Union Theological Seminary

Rev. angel Kyodo williams, newDharma Collective

Jan Willis, Agnes Scott College

Additional Signatories

Bhikkhu Analayo, Barre Center for Buddhist Studies

Tenshin Zenki, Reb Anderson, San Francisco Zen Center

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Zen Center of NYC & Zen Mountain Monastery

Eiko Joshin Carolyn Atkinson, Everyday Dharma Zen Center

John Bailes, One Heart Zen

Kristin Barker, One Earth Sangha

Rev. Josh Jiun Bartok, Greater Boston Zen Center, Boundless Way Zen

Stephen Batchelor, Bodhi College

Eido Frances Carney, Olympia Zen Center

Jan Chozen Bays, Zen Community of Oregon

Hogen Bays, Zen Community of Oregon

Jenn Biehn, East Bay Meditation Center

Melissa Myozen Blacker, Roshi, Boundless Way Zen

Harrison Blum, Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, Emerson College

Layla Smith Bockhorst, San Francisco Zen Center

Sylvia Boorstein

Tara Brach

Edward Espe Brown, Peaceful Sea Sangha

Karl Brunnholzl

Joshin Brian Byrnes, Sensei, Upaya Zen Center

Sensei Robert Chodo Campbell, New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care

Konin Cardenas, Ekan Zen Study Center

Gyokuko Carlson, Abbot of Dharma Rain Zen Center, Portland, OR

Shokuchi Deirdre Carrigan, San Francisco Zen Center, Marin Interfaith Council

Kenshin Catherine Cascade, Bird Haven Zendo

Viveka Chen, Triratna Buddhist Order

Rupesh Chhagan, Appamada

Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron, Sravasti Abbey

Jundo Cohen, Treeleaf Sangha

Eijun Linda Cutts, San Francisco Zen Center

Lama Surya Das, Dzogchen Center

Osho Fugan Dineen, Hyannis Zendo

Frank Seisho Diaz (Hoshi), Resident Teacher at Open Mind Zen Bloomington

Rev. Maia Duerr, Upaya Zen Center

Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison, New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care

Linda Galijan, San Francisco Zen Center

Roshi Bernie Glassman, Founder of Zen Peacemakers

Zenshin Greg Fain, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center

Acharya Gaylon Ferguson, Shambhala

Anushka Fernandopulle

Rev. Chris Fortin, Everyday Zen, Dharma Heart Zen

Rev. Bruce Fortin, Occidental Laguna Sangha

Leora Fridman, Buddhist Peace Fellowship

Rev. James Ishmael Ford, Blue Cliff Zen Sangha & Boundless Way Zen

Gil Fronsdal, Insight Meditation Center

Setsuan Gaelyn Godwin, Abbot, Houston Zen Center

Natalie Goldberg, Upaya Zen Center

Joseph Goldstein, Insight Meditation Society

Myocho Tova Green, San Francisco Zen Center

Guo Gu, Tallahassee Chan Center

Robert Kaku Gunn, Village Zendo

Rev. Myo-O Marilyn Habermas-Scher, Hokyoji Zen Practice Community

Brother Phap Hai, Plum Village International

Paul Haller, San Francisco Zen Center

Dawn Haney, Buddhist Peace Fellowship

Peter Harris, Treetop Zen Community Oakland Maine

Sensei Jules Shuzen Harris, Soji Zen Center

Rev. Jerry Hirano, Buddhist Churches of America

Rev. Joan Hogetsu Hoeberichts, Abbot, Heart Circle Sangha

Funie Hsu, Buddhist Peace Fellowship

Myoko Sara Hunsaker, Soto Priest and Teacher, Monterey Bay Zen Center

Kate Johnson

Art Jolly, East Bay Meditation Center

Pema Khandro Rinpoche, Buddhist Yogis Sangha

Rev. Sumi Loundon Kim, Buddhist Chaplain, Duke University & Buddhist Families of Durham

Ruth King, Mindful Members Insight Community of Charlotte

Bodhin Kjolhede

Rev. Ronald Kobata, Buddhist Church of San Francisco

Josh Korda, DharmaPunx NYC

Busshō M. Lahn, Minnesota Zen Meditation Center

Rev. Mark Lancaster, Generous Heart Mountain Sangha

Jack Lawlor, Lakeside Buddha Sangha

Rev. Taigen Dan Leighton, Ancient Dragon Zen Gate

Yo-on Jeremy Levie, San Francisco Zen Center

Noah Levine, Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society

Peter Levitt, Salt Spring Zen Circle, British Columbia

Rebecca Li, Dharma Drum Chan Community

Narayan Liebenson, Cambridge Insight Meditation Center

Judy Lief

Kaira Jewel Lingo, Dharmacharya, Order of Interbeing

Acharya Adam Lobel, Shambhala

Katie Loncke, Buddhist Peace Fellowship

David Loy, Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center

Arlene Lueck, San Francisco Zen Center

Barry Magid, Ordinary Mind Zendo

Vimalasara (Valerie) Mason-John, Triratna Vancouver Buddhist Center

Acharya Fleet Maull

Myoshin Kate McCandless, Mountain Rain Zen Community

Heiku Jaime McLeod, Treetop Zen Community Oakland Maine

Karen Maezen Miller, Hazy Moon Zen Center

Lama Willa Miller, Natural Dharma Fellowship

Mary Mocine, Abbess, Vallejo Zen Center

Kimi Mojica, East Bay Meditation Center

Roshi Wendy Egyoku Nakao

Shinmon Michael Newton, resident teacher of Mountain Rain Zen Community, Vancouver BC

Zesho Susan O’Connell, San Francisco Zen Center

Barbara Joshin O’Hara, Sensei, Village Zendo

Sarwang Parikh, East Bay Meditation Center

Lila Parrish, Appamada

Deirdre Eisho Peterson, Village Zendo & Red Rocks Zendo

Mitchell Ratner, Still Water Mindfulness Practice Center

Zuiko Redding, Resident Teacher, Cedar Rapids Zen Center

Lodro Rinzler

Betsy Rose, Spirit Rock Meditation Center

Larry Rosenberg, Cambridge Insight Meditation Center

Donald Rothberg, Member, Teachers Council and Guiding Teachers Council, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Teacher, East Bay Meditation Center

Tenku Ruff

Sensei Steve Aishi Sarian

Ed Sattizahn, San Francisco Zen Center

Grace Schireson, Central Valley Zen

Sebene Selassie

Hozan Alan Senauke

Rev. Keiryu Liên Shutt, Guiding Teacher of Awake-in-Life Sangha

Koshin Flint Sparks, Appamada

Anka Rick Spencer, Puerto Compasivo

Shodo Spring, Sansuiji and Mountains and Waters Alliance

Reverend Myogen Kathryn Stark, Sonoma Valley Zen Group

Peter van der Sterre, 7th Street Zendo, Boise ID

Michael Stone

Kōan Peg Syverson, Appamada

John Tarrant, Pacific Zen Institute

Sensei Myoko Terestman, Village Zendo

Ryushin Andrea Thach, Whatcom and Red Cedar Zen

Thanissara, Sacred Mountain Sangha

Sensei Shinryu Thomson, Village Zendo & Centro Zen Phajjsi Qollut Jalsu

Robert Thurman

Rev. Allan Jo An Tibbett, Provincetown Zen Center

Lama Tsomo, Namchak Foundation

Karma Lekshe Tsomo

Mark Unno

Laura del Valle, Mar de Jade Center at Chacala, Nayarit

LiZhen Wang, Buddhist Peace Fellowship

Steve Weintraub, Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, San Francisco Zen Center

Arinna Weisman

Andrew JiYu Weiss, Abbot, Open Path Sangha

Sojun Mel Weitsman, Berkeley Zen Center

Kate Lila Wheeler, Kilung Foundation & Spirit Rock Meditation Center

Jim Willems, East Bay Meditation Center

Laurie Winnette, Appamada

Doshin Nathan Woods, Sweetwater Zen Center

Larry Yang, Spirit Rock Meditation Center & East Bay Meditation Center

Pamela Ayo Yetunde

Kanzan David Zimmerman, San Francisco Zen Center