In the wake of the 2024 US presidential election, the specter of Donald Trump’s return to power looms large over American political life. As the former president prepares for a second term, his influence remains as divisive as ever. Yet his resurgence raises profound questions not only about the future of American democracy but also about how we, as individuals and communities, respond to a leader who embodies such stark contradictions: charisma mixed with cruelty, populism entwined with authoritarian tendencies. In such a climate, how can we apply Buddhist principles—of compassion, non-violence, and ethical discernment—to navigate these turbulent waters?

Buddhism offers a rich framework for understanding power, its ethical implications, and the role that compassion plays in how we engage with political struggles. Central to this is the teaching on the interconnectedness of all beings. The rise of any political leader, including Trump, must be seen not only as a moment of individual power but as a manifestation of collective societal forces—the fears, desires, and ignorance that bind us together.

For Buddhists, this interconnectedness calls for a response grounded in compassion. Compassion is not a passive emotion but an active force that seeks the well-being of all, regardless of their actions or ideologies. The Buddhist concept of maitri, or loving-kindness, emphasizes the importance of seeing beyond political divisions to recognize the shared humanity in all people, even those with whom we may deeply disagree. Yet, while compassion is the cornerstone of Buddhist ethics, this does not mean blind acceptance or passivity. It calls for ethical discernment—the ability to see clearly and to act in ways that promote the welfare of all, even—or especially—when faced with actions that seem to perpetuate harm.

To understand the challenges facing American society and the world in this political moment, one might reflect on the ancient Buddhist parable of the blind men and the elephant. In this story, a group of blind men, each touching a different part of an elephant, describe the creature based on their limited perception. One man touches the elephant’s leg and believes the elephant to be like a tree trunk, while another touches the tail and believes it to be like a rope. None of the men can perceive the whole truth, only their limited experiences.

This parable, while over two millennia old and beloved by numerous traditions in India, offers clear insight into our modern political discourse. Each side of the political spectrum, each media outlet, and each individual voter, sees only part of the political “elephant.” For some, Trump represents a force for populist change and national revival. For others, he is a symbol of division, fear, and authoritarianism. In our current moment, truth is fragmented, with each group asserting their narrative as the only reality. This is exacerbated by the intense partisanship that seems to grip American politics, where conversations are more about winning than about seeking mutual understanding.

Buddhist teachings urge us to listen deeply, to engage with others in ways that seek to understand rather than to dominate. In the polarized political landscape, this is difficult but essential. In Buddhist thought, right speech is an ethical guideline that encourages us to speak truthfully and kindly, avoiding speech that causes harm. As voters, activists, and global citizens, our responsibility is to listen to others’ truths and engage with empathy, especially when facing those whose views differ from our own.

Another Buddhist tale that offers wisdom for our times, this one from ancient China, is the story of the old farmer and his son. The farmer’s horse runs away, and the neighbors lament how unfortunate he is. The farmer replies, “Perhaps.” The horse returns, bringing another horse with it, and the neighbors celebrate, telling the farmer he has great fortune. The farmer again replies, “Perhaps.” Later, the son breaks his leg while riding the new horse, and the neighbors express sympathy for his loss. The farmer responds, “Perhaps.” Finally, a war breaks out, and the son, unable to fight due to his injury, is spared from certain death.

This story speaks to the impermanence of events and the unpredictability of the future. We cannot always predict how today’s events will play out, and what appears to be a disaster may turn out to be a blessing. Robert Wright, author of Why Buddhism is True (Simon & Schuster 2017), offered a video discussing this shortly before the election. He offered a hypothetical scenario in which Mitt Romney had beat Barack Obama to the presidency in 2012, setting himself up as the incumbent candidate in 2016 and thus denying Trump the opportunity to win the presidency in the first place. Wright, a liberal, would have been sad at Romney’s victory, but it would have possibly led to a much more fortunate future—and present—for liberals if he had.

This principle of non-attachment to outcomes is fundamental in Buddhist practice and offers a powerful perspective on how to approach today’s political climate, in the US and beyond. It’s easy to despair in the face of rising authoritarianism, climate disaster, and global uncertainty that characterize our time. But as Buddhists, we are taught that while we must act we must also be mindful that we cannot fully control the outcomes of our actions. What seems like a step backward may lead to a future leap forward.

In the case of Trump’s political comeback, many of us are understandably fearful of what this could mean for democracy, human rights, and the global order. But from a Buddhist perspective, we are reminded not to react with blind fear or complacency but to respond with patience, wisdom, and a long-term view. The current situation may look bleak, but history has shown that things can change quickly and crises often catalyze new forms of resistance and transformation.

In his reflections on the challenges facing American democracy, Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi offers clear guidance for Buddhists in these uncertain times, writing that we must resist the temptation to adopt a neutral, detached stance in the face of injustice. He warns against the tendency to dismiss concerns about authoritarianism as mere political noise, urging us instead to recognize the moral dimensions of the political crisis.

Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi’s call for moral courage—to stand firm in our values and to act in ways that align with compassion and justice—resonates deeply with the Buddhist teachings. In the coming months and years, it will be crucial for Buddhists to engage with the political landscape, not as passive observers but as active agents of change. This could mean participating in peaceful protests, advocating for policies that support vulnerable populations, and working to preserve democratic norms.

Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi also emphasizes the importance of compassion, both for those who suffer under the current political climate and for those who support policies that perpetuate harm. This compassion does not mean passivity or acceptance but an active desire to alleviate suffering, even for those with whom we strongly disagree.

As Buddhists, our response to the political crisis brought on by figures like Trump must be guided by discernment, compassion, and a clear commitment to non-violence. We cannot simply accept the status quo nor turn a blind eye to the harm being caused. But we also must be careful not to be consumed by anger or resentment. The challenge is to engage deeply and thoughtfully with the political system while holding true to our values of compassion, ethical conduct, and the alleviation of suffering.

Ultimately, the political landscape will continue to evolve, but the Buddhist teachings remind us that we can face it with wisdom and patience. The road ahead may be difficult, but through compassionate action and ethical discernment we can work toward a more just and peaceful society for all beings. For Americans, the time to vote has passed, but the work for democracy, decency, and compassion, has only just begun.

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