SZBA Statement in Support of Compassion

Zen holds as a foundational truth that all beings are Buddha Nature; that we are interdependent and the suffering of one is suffering that affects us all. Viewing the world as a boundless and all-encompassing circle of connection, we realize that no one can be left out or left behind.

We, the members of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association, reject any attempt to oppress marginalized groups and treat them as outsiders who do not deserve the same rights, opportunities and respect as those in power.

We are diverse in many ways--sex, gender expression, race, ability, religion--and this is our greatest strength, a strength that should be celebrated. Marginalization, oppression, and rejection are the antithesis of Zen practice, and we oppose any attempts to make such behaviors law or national policy. We oppose the creation of a culture that deliberately normalizes marginalization, isolation or oppression of any group. We call for compassionate treatment of those who are marginalized and living in fear.

We must have compassion for all, and we must remember that compassion is wisdom in action, and compassion must never lead to apathy or passive acceptance. Therefore, we encourage opposition, not based in anger or fear or hatred but arising from our bodhisattva vows. We encourage everyone to bear witness to the cries of the world. We encourage people to march, write letters, and support organizations working to protect suffering beings. We support those who are in danger by building safe spaces or insisting that public institutions create those spaces and we encourage others to do the same. We offer emotional support and a calming presence to those who are in despair. And we offer the practice of Zen to all people as a way to cope with the world as it is.

Click here to view the full statement, including signatures.

Past SZBA Statements and Calls to Action

SZBA Statement on Recognition and Repentance

Call to Action: Systemic Racism

In deep grief over the recent murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, the Soto Zen Buddhist Association acknowledges the deep-seated, systemic, and structural racism that poisons life in the United States of America. We vow to continue the work we are currently engaged in and call for a fresh and coordinated effort to dismantle racism at every level of our culture, society, government, our Zen communities, and our own hearts. Read More

SZBA Statement in Response to the attack on Congress of January 6th

As Zen Buddhist clergy, we condemn the attack on the United States congress on January 6th. We acknowledge the anguish and rage it has brought. At the center of our tradition is the understanding that violence leads to violence, compassion to compassion, ignorance to ignorance, and insight to insight. Although countless conditions led to the attack at the capitol, we see that the violence at the capitol was deeply tied to the white supremacy that has characterized this nation since its inception. Read more

Statement On Separating Immigrant Families

As Western Buddhist leaders, we unreservedly condemn the recently imposed policy of separating immigrant children from their parents at the US-Mexican border. Read More

Call to Abolish the Death Penalty and Halt All U​.​S. Federal Executions