We have long received letters from Buddhist conservatives who do not feel represented in Lion’s Roar magazine and LionsRoar.com—and indeed in American Buddhism overall. These have increased in recent days as we have covered the growing response of American Buddhists to the incoming administration and its policies. We understand these concerns.
Polls show that the majority of American Buddhists are politically liberal. This is the community we report on and support and whose values we share. While Lion’s Roar does not take a partisan political stance, it is natural that many of the articles we publish and the activities we cover will reflect liberal views and values. We do not apologize for this.
At the same time, we know we have valued readers who are sincerely conservative and feel their political views are also valid expressions of the dharma. The argument for the place of conservative values in Buddhism is skillfully made by former Republican congressional staffer Christopher Ford in his article, “The Elephant in the Meditation Room.”
If you are a Buddhist conservative, you are a valuable part of this discussion. We invite you to tell us what you are thinking about and doing in the current political situation.
As Buddhists, our primary concern is suffering, not ideology. As the new administration approaches, Buddhists are joining people across the political spectrum — including conservatives — to resist policies that will cause suffering to the most vulnerable, to protect the integrity of the democratic system, and to offer an alternative vision for American society. It is an important part of our mission to report on and support how Buddhists are engaging in this debate.
The stakes transcend partisanship. They demand that all people of goodwill come together, regardless of their partisan differences. It is our hope that the discussion in Lion’s Roar and LionsRoar.com will include people of all political views who wish to protect and promote the values of the dharma—kindness, insight, nonaggression, mutual respect, and a sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of oneself and others.
If you are a Buddhist conservative, you are a valuable part of this discussion. We invite you to tell us what you are thinking about and doing in the current political situation. Please send your submission to magazine@lionsroar.com.
