Buddhist Coalition for Democracy

BCD Poetry as Witness: A Contemplative Circle of Nature and Word (Recurring Monthly Group)
2026-08-27 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-09-24 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-10-29 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-11-26 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-12-31 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom Event
Poetry as Witness is a monthly online contemplative circle of Nature & Word designed as a space for literary expression, mindful witnessing, and relational reflection.
The circle is facilitated by Lorena Saavedra-Smith, BCD member, poet, pacha philosopher, and ecopsychologist. Originally from Perú, Lorena is a lifelong storyteller and keeper of Andean ancestral wisdom.
This circle invites both experienced writers and first-time participants to engage with poetry as a practice of presence.
• Providing contemplative space for authentic expression
• Encouraging mindful, non-reactive speech
• Cultivating moral imagination through shared language
The circle emphasizes presence over performance and listening over reaction.
Each session begins with a brief meditation to ground participants in shared presence. A suggested monthly theme will gently orient the gathering and allow participants time to reflect and prepare writing connected to interconnectedness, nature, or lived experience. A short selected poem will open the evening and anchor collective reflection.
To get on this group’s mailing list, write to poetryandnaturegroup@gmail.com.
To join on Zoom, click on: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87407397997?pwd=[REDACTED]
Or use Meeting ID: 874 0739 7997 and Passcode: [REDACTED]
–

BCD Engaged Buddhist Book Club
2026-09-01 19:15 - 20:30, 2026-09-08 19:15 - 20:30, 2026-09-15 19:15 - 20:30, 2026-09-22 19:15 - 20:30, 2026-09-29 19:15 - 20:30, 2026-10-06 19:15 - 20:30, 2026-10-13 19:15 - 20:30, 2026-10-20 19:15 - 20:30 and 11 more dates | Zoom Event
This weekly book club is hosted by Kat Symington Muendell. Each week, members will discuss a book or article related to engaged Buddhism.
Email Kat at bcdbookclub@gmail.com for the weekly reading assignment and Zoom link and to get on the Book Club mailing list.

BCD Women in Solidarity Group
2026-09-03 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-01 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-11-05 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-12-03 19:00 - 20:00, 2027-01-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Event
This is a group for women to express and discuss their own lived experience within the safety of a women’s-only space. The group’s focus is on matters relevant to engaged Buddhism. Topics may include patriarchy within Buddhist groups, activist groups, and society at large. Depending on the interests of the members, the group may discuss writings by Buddhist women and/or invite outside speakers. The group is facilitated by Kanchi Mary Richards and meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Click here to be on the BCD Women in Solidarity mailing list and stay informed about upcoming groups: bcdwomeninsolidarity@gmail.com.
To join the meeting, click here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87096192102?pwd=[REDACTED]

The Bodhisattva Path in Action: How Buddhism, Politics, and Social Engagement Serve Democracy
2026-09-24 18:00 - 19:30
The Bodhisattva Path in Action: How Buddhism, Politics, and Social Engagement Serve Democracy
Thursday, September 24th 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET
Co-Sponsors: Buddhist Coalition for Democracy (BCD)
Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC (IMCW)
Intention: As communities navigate increasing polarization, threats to democratic norms, and growing social division, many Buddhist practitioners are asking how the Dharma can inform compassionate and effective engagement in public life. This online forum will explore how Buddhist practice can support democratic values such as participation, dialogue, mutual respect, shared responsibility, and concern for the common good. Rather than focusing on political parties, candidates, or policy positions, the discussion will examine how practitioners can embody Buddhist principles while engaging in civic and social life.
Panelists:
Tara Brach
Spiritual teacher, psychologist, and author. Tara’s teaching blends Western psychology and Eastern spiritual practices with a mindful attention to inner life and a dedication to creating a more just, equitable, and loving world.
Ben Connelly
Soto Zen teacher and Dharma heir in the Katagiri lineage. Ben teaches mindfulness in a variety of secular contexts and works with multifaith groups focusing on intersectional liberation, racial justice, and climate justice.
Kaira Jewel Lingo
Former ordained Zen nun (and trainee of Thich Nhat Hanh), teacher of Buddhist meditation, secular mindfulness, and compassion practices, as well as spiritual mentor with a focus on racial, climate, and social justice.
A timely dialogue in advance of the midterm elections. The forum will provide space for learning, reflection, and dialogue on how Buddhists can participate in social and political life in ways that are:
Grounded in Buddha’s teachings.
Responsive to present-day realities.
Supportive of connection rather than division.

You must pre-register for this event: https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=1747
