Who could’ve predicted the wonderful unintended consequences of these terrible political times in our beloved American democracy!
Who could’ve predicted that a small group of Buddhist visionaries would be inspired to conceive of a new coalition—a diverse Buddhist community that welcomes members from all Buddhist lineages.
Together We are Weaving a New American Buddhist Tapestry!
BCD offers a unique opportunity to share core Buddhist values that we hold in common—as well as teachings and practices unique to each of our lineages.
It’s my intention and dream that a new webpage I am curating—Buddhist Resources for Challenging Times — will inspire and enhance our individual and collective learning.
I began this webpage with some of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s core teachings as well as material from several of the students he ordained.
I hope very much that many BCD members will be moved to submit resources from their own practices, lineages, and traditions so I can add them to the webpage. In this way they can be shared with the whole BCD community and help us all get through these challenging times.
Finally, I want to end with a quote from Ranier Maria Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet that always moves me deeply:
“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves…”
With much gratitude.
🙏,
Karen Hirsch
9-4-25
Karen Hirsch is a workshop developer/facilitator in deep listening (to others and self), and compassionate, effective response to differences and conflict. A longtime progressive political activist, her training includes an MSW from NYU.