Not So Seperate. . .
In these times of constant news cycles and divisive opinions, it can be easy to believe that Buddhism and politics are worlds apart. One speaks of inner peace, compassion, and mindfulness; the other of power, influence, and control. Yet as students of the Buddha’s way, we must gently remind ourselves that the two are not so easily separated.
Buddhism does not urge us to escape the world—it teaches us how to live fully within it. The Buddha himself walked among kings and beggars, rulers and outcasts. He spoke openly on matters of justice, ethical leadership, and the care of all beings. In this, we see that politics—when practiced with wisdom and compassion—can also be a vehicle for alleviating suffering.
But let us be clear: Buddhist practice does not mean partisan thinking or clinging to ideologies. It calls us to see beyond labels, to recognize the humanity even in those we oppose, and to engage with society from a place of clarity rather than anger. To bring mindfulness into the public sphere is to bring patience, to listen before reacting, and to act from the intention of collective well-being rather than self-interest.
When we vote, when we speak out, when we participate in the shaping of our communities, we are practicing engaged Buddhism. We are taking the lessons of the cushion—awareness, non-attachment, kindness—and applying them to the messy, imperfect, necessary realm of human affairs.
The Buddha taught that ignorance is the root of suffering. In our political life, let us strive not to feed ignorance with fear or hatred, but to cultivate understanding and thoughtful action. Let our politics, like our practice, be grounded in the Eightfold Path: in right view, right speech, right effort, and above all, right intention.
For in the end, politics is not something separate from us. It is the weaving of our shared life, the canvas on which we paint the world we wish to live in. May we paint with wisdom. May we lead with compassion. May our inner practice guide our outer world.
Be mindful. Be aware. Be kind. This, too, is the way.
Peace and Love, Jim
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