INTERBEING CALLS US TO RESPOND
As in Gaza entire families have been and continue to be erased, hospitals are being bombed, paramedics have been executed in cold blood, respected doctors are being incarcerated and civilians are being starved under siege, we wonder how it is possible that the Buddhist community stays so deafeningly silent?As Buddhist practitioners we believe the Dharma calls us to stand for justice, compassion, and ethical action. We would like to explore together this silence within Buddhist communities and invite you to reflect, engage, and take meaningful action.Join us on this path — not in fear, but in commitment to awakening in a world that urgently needs it.
Collective Liberation
Liberation Circle
Liberation Circle is an initiative founded by Buddhist practitioners Dorine Esser and Joyce Cordus, together with Dirk Wolbers, founder of the online meditation platform 30NOW.
We believe that true practice extends beyond the cushion and into the world.
As Buddhists, we take refuge in wisdom, compassion, and ethical action. Thus, in the face of the unimaginable suffering in Gaza and the West Bank, we ask:
Why is the Buddhist world so silent?
Liberation Circle
Our Statement
We invite you to read our Statement from 22 October 2024, on Buddhism and Justice: Voice of Buddhism
This statement expresses our deep concern about the silence within Buddhist communities regarding global oppression, particularly the unfolding genocide in Gaza.
Liberation Circle
The Problem With This Silence
As in Gaza entire families are erased, hospitals bombed, and civilians starved under siege, it is impossible to claim that silence is neutral – it is disingenuous. We believe that we are not impartial, instead we're allowing harm to continue unchecked.
As Buddhist practitioners, we must ask: What are we truly embodying? Are we living by the principles of wisdom, compassion, ethical conduct and justice—or are we retreating into passivity?
To truly uphold the Dharma in today’s world, we must confront these difficult questions.
"Sometimes non-action is violence. If you allow others to kill and destroy, although you are not doing anything, you are also implicit in that violence. So, violence can be action or non-action."
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Reaffirming Our Values – If we believe in wisdom, compassion, and justice, we must stand by these principles in the real world.
Grounding Our Response in the Teachings – Buddhist scriptures are full of examples where truth is spoken against injustice.
Overcoming Fear of Engagement – Many practitioners avoid taking a stand, fearing it contradicts equanimity. But wisdom is not passivity—it means knowing when to act.
Challenging Inconsistency – Buddhist communities have spoken out for Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan. Why is Palestine considered "too complex"?
Recognizing Complicity – Western Buddhist communities exist within societies that directly fund and support Israel’s military occupation and war crimes. If we remain passive, we endorse this reality.
Turning Toward Discomfort – If we avoid difficult conversations, how can we truly grow in awareness? Awakening also means facing what is unpleasant, not avoiding it or retreating into comfort.
Standing for Peace Without Justifying Oppression – As Gabor Maté, a Jewish physician and teacher, has powerfully stated: past suffering does not justify the infliction of suffering upon others. We must hold all beings in compassion while saying no to harm.
Liberation Circle
Free Palestine
At Liberation Circle, we believe that the struggle for freedom and justice in Palestine symbolizes the broader action against oppression and imperialism worldwide. The call to “Free Palestine” resonates as a powerful expression of resistance, compassion and solidarity.It reminds us that we are all interconnected — as human beings and through our shared quest for liberation — and that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
By embracing this ethos, we move beyond mere support and embody a collective commitment to challenge systemic inequities.
The phrase “we are all Palestinians” encapsulates an ethos of radical solidarity and compassion —recognising that the Palestinian cause is not just a distant issue but a nearby and shared struggle against the structures that perpetuate inequality, white supremacy and colonial attitude globally.Liberation Circle encourages participants – and Buddhists in particular – to internalize this solidarity and compassion, transforming it from a metaphor into meaningful action. Through meditation and mindful practices, we cultivate the inner awareness necessary to recognize, acknowledge, confront and dismantle the underlying logic of oppression, fostering a community dedicated to justice and collective liberation.
Liberation Circle
Our Proposed Actions
So, because we think that silence or inaction is not an option, we would like to invite you to engage with us in the following:
Our Live Online Dharma Talks – Sessions with Buddhist teachers and activists on justice, ethical action, and engaged Buddhism.
Live Community (online) Dialogues – Open discussions on how we, as Buddhist practitioners, can respond to genocide, occupation, and systemic injustice.
Raising Awareness – Sharing resources, Buddhist texts, and meditations that support activism and social justice.
Engaged Action – Encouraging local sanghas to take meaningful steps in their communities.
Our goal is to explore and uncover together why so many people in the Buddhist world remain silent and do not speak openly about the ongoing genocide. In doing so, we also encourage individuals to raise their voices independently, wherever they are in the world.
Liberation Circle
Frequently Asked Questions
🌀 What is Collective Liberation?
Liberation Circle is an online community and platform rooted in engaged Buddhism, offering live sessions, teachings, and dialogue spaces that connect meditation with social justice and collective liberation.👥 Who is behind Liberation Circle?
Liberation Circle was founded by Buddhist practitioners Dorine Esser and Joyce Cordus, together with Dirk Wolbers, founder of the online meditation platform 30NOW.☸️ What is the connection between Buddhism and social justice?
We believe that authentic Buddhist practice includes compassionate action in the world. In the face of injustice—such as the unfolding genocide in Gaza—silence is not neutrality but complicity. We aim to embody wisdom, compassion, and ethical engagement.🇵🇸 Why is “Free Palestine” the foundation of this initiative?
We see the struggle for justice in Palestine as a representation of the global fight against oppression, colonialism, and systemic injustice. By focusing on “Free Palestine”, we emphasize the importance of solidarity and collective action in addressing these issues worldwide.🌱 What does “collective liberation” mean?
It means recognizing that our individual and collective freedom are deeply intertwined. No one is free until all are free—spiritually, socially, and politically.🧘 Isn’t taking a stand against injustice a contradiction to Buddhist equanimity?
Not at all. Many practitioners fear that speaking out disrupts inner balance, but true equanimity is not passivity—it’s the clarity to see when action is needed. Wisdom includes knowing when to engage, especially in the face of suffering and injustice.🙋 Who can participate in the sessions?
Anyone with an interest in meditation and social justice is welcome, regardless of experience level or background.🧘 Do I need prior meditation experience?
No prior experience is necessary. Our sessions are designed to accommodate both beginners and seasoned practitioners.🔗 How do I join a live session?
After registering and completing payment, you’ll receive a link via email to join the Zoom Meetings live session at the scheduled time.💬 Are the sessions interactive?
Yes, we encourage participation through Q&A segments, group discussions, and experience sharing.📼 Can I access recorded sessions?
We focus on live interactive online sessions to create real-time connection, reflection, and dialogue. Recorded resources may become available in the future.📅 How often are sessions held?
Sessions are typically held on a monthly basis. Soon we will provide you with specific dates and times.🧩 What topics are covered in the discussions?
Topics include white privilege, colonialism, systemic oppression, personal accountability, and pathways to societal change.📣 How can I stay informed about upcoming events?
Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn, BlueSky for the latest updates and announcements.🧭 What additional topics are covered?
In addition to core themes like justice and collective liberation, we also offer updates on the current situation in Gaza and explore how to support ourselves in our practice during these painful and challenging times.💡 Can I suggest topics or speakers?
Absolutely. We welcome community input—feel free to contact us with your ideas.💰 Is there a fee to participate?
We encourage donations to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East).📨 I have other questions or ideas
Please contact us, we look forward to hearing from you.
Liberation Circle
Join Us
Uncover, explore, and challenge together why so many Buddhists fail to speak out about the ongoing genocide — and instead choose silence.
Join us in transforming our Buddhist practice into meaningful action:
Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications about upcoming events.
Engage in dialogue by joining our online discussions.
Take action – bring these conversations into your community.
We wholeheartedly invite you to walk this path with us—not in fear, but in commitment to awakening in a world that urgently needs it.
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Be the first to know when our live sessions are set to begin. Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll make sure you receive an email as soon as the first session dates are announced—along with your personal link to join. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect and deepen your journey with us.
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Buddhist Teachings on Speaking Truth to Injustice
Assalayana Sutta (MN 93) – In this discourse, the Buddha directly challenges the Brahmanical caste system, which claimed that Brahmins were inherently superior by birth. A Brahmin scholar, Assalayana, insists that the caste system is divinely ordained and that Brahmins are purer than other social classes. The Buddha systematically dismantles this belief, arguing that all people—regardless of caste—experience the same human realities of birth, aging, sickness, and death. He emphasizes that virtue, wisdom, and ethical conduct—not birth—determine a person’s worth. This teaching was radical in a deeply hierarchical society, making it one of the most powerful Buddhist statements against social injustice and systemic discrimination.
Cakkavatti-Sihanada Sutta (DN 26) – This discourse presents a prophetic vision of how societies deteriorate when leaders fail to uphold justice and care for their people. The Buddha describes a cycle where rulers neglect the poor, leading to widespread poverty, desperation, and crime. In response, rulers impose harsh punishments rather than addressing the root causes of suffering. This, in turn, breeds greater injustice and societal collapse. The sutta conveys a stark warning that social stability depends on economic justice, ethical governance, and compassion. The Buddha asserts that true leadership is not about power and punishment but about fostering well-being for all. This remains an enduring critique of structural inequality and exploitative political systems.
Angulimala Sutta (MN 86) – This powerful narrative tells the story of Angulimala, a notorious bandit who had murdered hundreds of people and wore a garland of severed fingers as a symbol of his brutality. As he seeks to kill again, the Buddha encounters him and, without physical resistance, confronts him with a simple but profound truth: “I have already stopped, Angulimala. When will you stop?” This cryptic statement leads Angulimala to realize that true strength lies not in violence but in inner transformation. He renounces his past, becomes a monk, and attains enlightenment. The sutta is a potent example of the Buddhist rejection of revenge and capital punishment, showing that even those who have committed severe wrongdoing can transform through wisdom and compassion. It challenges contemporary notions of justice, emphasizing rehabilitation over retribution.
Kosala Samyutta (SN 3.1-3.5) – King Pasenadi of Kosala, one of the most powerful rulers of the time, frequently sought the Buddha’s counsel. In one conversation, Pasenadi expresses his belief that military strength and political power ensure stability. The Buddha challenges this view, explaining that genuine authority arises from moral integrity and just governance. He teaches that a ruler who governs with righteousness, fairness, and care for the people will have a lasting legacy, whereas one who rules with greed and cruelty will eventually fall. This teaching speaks directly to modern political systems, reinforcing the idea that sustainable leadership is grounded in ethical responsibility rather than force and control.
Vinaya Pitaka (Devadatta’s Rebellion) – Devadatta, a former disciple of the Buddha, attempted to overthrow him and take control of the monastic community (Sangha). Devadatta sought to manipulate the teachings to gain power and influence, even going so far as to incite divisions and attempt to assassinate the Buddha. The Buddha firmly rejected Devadatta’s actions and teachings, emphasizing that spiritual communities must guard against corruption, power struggles, and the dangers of charismatic leaders who seek control rather than liberation. This episode demonstrates that Buddhism does not advocate blind obedience but calls for critical discernment, transparency, and the rejection of exploitative leadership—even within spiritual institutions.
Conclusion:
These powerful references illustrate how Buddhist teachings consistently advocate for truth, justice, and ethical leadership. Whether challenging systemic oppression, critiquing unjust rulers, or resisting corruption, the Buddha’s words offer a profound framework for confronting injustice with wisdom and compassion. These texts remain relevant today, inspiring ethical action in the face of inequality, violence, and exploitation.