Written by René Fay

 “Buddhism doesn’t advocate neutrality or ambivalence. It reminds us that we have a responsibility to take a compassionate and wise stance when facing injustice, and not sit idly by and observe suffering without doing anything to alleviate it”

There’s a misconception in some interpretations of Buddhism, particularly in the West, that this practice is all about neutrality and passive acceptance. While mindfulness does encourage us to be present and see things as clearly as possible, and while acceptance is certainly part of that practice, it’s not a free pass out of worldly happenings.

It’s become too easy to separate mindfulness practice from other core teachings, like Right Action, and confuse equanimity — which in Buddhism refers to a state of balance often with a quality of peace or equilibrium — with complete detachment. We often gloss over or outright erase the ways activism has played a central role in Buddhism throughout history.

Some of the most influential and respected Buddhist teachers have been activists. Thich Nhat Hanh advocated for peace while also actively engaging in anti-war movements. Tibetan Buddhists, including the Dalai Lama, fleeing the Chinese army, are proof of the importance of fighting against oppression. And Lama Rod Owens, whose roots are in activism, is outspoken about the need for one’s meditation or spiritual practice to not only include but actively incorporate social justice.

Right Action is one of the key components of the Noble Eightfold Path and asks us to actively engage in the world to promote well-being and reduce suffering. The word “action” is in there for a reason — this isn’t a passive practice. But Right Action also involves discernment, wisdom, compassion, and intention, which is where the word “right” really comes in. It’s about acting thoughtfully and with discernment.

Buddhism doesn’t advocate neutrality or ambivalence. It reminds us that we have a responsibility to take a compassionate and wise stance when facing injustice, and not sit idly by and observe suffering without doing anything to alleviate it.

It can be tempting to chase a state of bliss and peace on the cushion and try to transcend the world’s troubles, rather than fully engage in the world. Here’s the thing: it’s hard. It’s heartbreaking. It’s much easier to retreat into a sanctuary of our own making and hope things will just magically get better or that we can simply opt out of what doesn’t feel good. It takes courage to face the pain of the world, to be in it with an open heart, and to keep going with clarity and compassion. Our world. Our home. If we’re not responsible for the earth and the humans suffering most in it, those most vulnerable, then our practice isn’t just incomplete — it can actually cause harm.