Interesting timing...I'm reading a book called "Buddha or Bust" where the author travels Asia in search of evidence of the Buddha and Engaged Buddhism (the application of Buddhist principles to resolve social, environment, health, political and other contemporary problems). I agree with Annie and Emily that Buddhism and activism blend perfectly. Of course, if you get involved with a teacher or a group be sure that the goals and actions of the group are in agreement with your own personal principles.

Regarding Elizabeth's post I don't know if I would continue to say that group is doing a Japanese Buddhist practice as it sounds like the Japanese have disowned the group (and rightly so).

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I'd have to speak out against a Japanese Buddhist practice where the leader has allowed politics to interfere with the sect thus somehow getting the entire sect excommunicated from the head temple in Japan. Families broke up, friendships broke up, people turned their backs on their friends, and a coldness and cult mentality took over the sect. It's like this: Unless you are involved with the "sect" people in it will have nothing to do with you, even if you were their friends before. They are singleminded, do not depend upon their own judgment, use buzzwords that you hear over and over, and never dare question anything that would cause disharmony or "disunity among believers". I am sad for the people who were sincere and found solace in this practice. I saw deceit, snobbery, a lack of spirituality, and a number of other mean behaviors while living in London. They were and still are a clique. They find security within it. Activism, well they do things like chant for world peace and perhaps other activities that are meant to help people but it's on their terms. They don't look at both sides of the story. And the leader of the entire sect, watching him on a huge video screen....he puts his arm up like Hitler did, only without the "Heil". An audience of several thousand youth & adults follow in unison. It disgusted me.This Buddhism is political and personal, but they encourage involvement and have a chain of command of leaders. The leader is pressured to involve his "district

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I find the answers in this article a little surprising and confusing, coming from a Buddist, because I thought Buddism supported animal equality and this person makes it sound like you should do nothing...hmmmm...doesn't sound right to me. Anne and Emily's comments represent the Buddism/animal activist relationship I have come to expect...thank you ladies.

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i agree emily. i'm an active buddhist -- i'm primarily active in animal rights causes.

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I think Buddhism and activism blend perfectly, because of the idea that you sort of automatically will verge toward what is right and true. I believe the Dalai Lama is one of the world's greatest activists, by teaching people that compassion, truth and love should be the basis of all life - which in itself could change policies and people if practiced.

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