The 2024 United States presidential election ended with former President Donald Trump securing a second term, winning both the popular vote and a decisive majority in the Electoral College over Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump's victory, driven by voter concerns about inflation, immigration, health care, and economic challenges, sparked concern among various communities, including North American Buddhists, who raised questions about the potential impact on future social and environmental policies.
North America is home to an estimated 3 million to 4 million Buddhists, including a large Asian-American population and a large community of practitioners who lean toward progressive values. Many North American Buddhists espouse principles such as compassion, nonviolence and environmental protection, values that some fear may be compromised by policies associated with the previous Trump administration.
Soto Zen Priest Zenju Earthlyn Manuel shared on social media:
We must use our suffering to find the medicine. Suffering hurts but it is a good thing. It is accessible and can be made soft if it is too hard, too hard. Today we simply water our land and see what will come of our constant attention to freedom and liberation.
Later. I am here and I see you. Walk tall. Sit up straight. Crawl. Pose. Whatever position you occupy here in this life. Curse and cry. Scream and breathe. (Facebook)
Trump’s victory can largely be attributed to voters’ strong reaction to economic frustrations. Exit polls revealed widespread concern about inflation and the high cost of living, as well as frustration with the perceived economic policies of President Joe Biden’s administration. Trump’s message of economic recovery struck a chord with voters in swing states, where concerns about the cost of living were among the most pressing issues.
Buddhist actor and Zen priest Peter Coyote delivered a scathing rebuke to Harris' political party in his own social media post:
Maybe now my Democratic colleagues will reconsider their fascination with coastal elites, reconsider their support for GATT and NAFTA, and reconsider their support for the wage freeze that ran from 1973 to 2023. Maybe they will reconsider the idea that elections should be funded by the taxpayer, and that corporations should not be allowed to spend their profits to change public policy in favor of their SHAREHOLDERS rather than the people. And maybe allowing lobbyists to give cash, trips, or speaking fees to legislators is not a good idea. (Facebook)
However, these concerns are accompanied by fears that a return to Trump-era policies could lead to reversals in areas such as environmental regulation and social services. During its first term, the Trump administration rolled back many environmental protections, deprioritized climate action, and implemented strict immigration policies. Many Buddhists who support ecological stewardship and inclusiveness see these policies as contradictory to their core beliefs and have expressed concern about the potential impacts on social cohesion and environmental well-being.
In response to the election results, many members of the Buddhist community expressed their commitment to deepen their engagement in social and environmental issues. Rather than disengaging, Buddhist leaders urged their communities to reaffirm their values of compassion, resilience, and nonviolence. Roshi James Ford wrote on Facebook:
I feel the evil of our times in my bones and marrow. Fortunately, I found some advice from Shinran Shonin. “Passions obstruct my eyes and I cannot see it; Nevertheless, great compassion is tireless and always enlightens me. I know that I just need to follow this illumination, however faint it may be at the moment.” (Facebook)
Historically, Buddhism has emphasized personal enlightenment and community duty over political engagement. However, in recent decades, many Buddhists around the world have become involved in social and environmental activism, recognizing that these issues impact the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. With Trump back in office, many Buddhists see an opportunity to deepen their advocacy, both within their communities and in collaboration with other groups working for social and environmental justice.
Buddhist teacher, author and activist Mushim Patricia Ikeda shared:
The Bodhisattva vow does not change, it simply manifests as needed. Do whatever you need to do today to restore your morale and help others toward liberation. (Facebook)
Tricycles Magazine will host a free Zoom meditation session on November 7 at 12pm EST on the theme of “Finding Stillness Together” with Zen Buddhist teacher and psychotherapist Seth Zuiho Segall. The Buddhist Peace Fellowship will continue to offer the Refuge Circle, “a multi-lineage spiritual and political space for us to ground ourselves in contemplative practice, with community, especially in times of grief, loss, and rage at the ongoing harm caused by systems of oppression.” Monday through Thursday mornings at 9am PT.
See more
Voters' anger over economy boosts Trump in 2024, confounding Democrats (The Washington Post)
US Election 2024: Key issues that will determine votes in key states (Al Jazeera)
Zenju Earthlyn Manuel (Facebook)
Peter Coyote (Facebook)
James Ford (Facebook)
Mushim Patricia Ikeda (Facebook)
Special Event Finding Calm Together with Seth Zuihō Segall (Tricycles Magazine Zoom Meeting)
Circle of Refuge (Buddhist Peace Fellowship)
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The article Buddhists offer perspective and support in wake of US presidential election appeared first on Buddhadoor Global.
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