The 2024 US presidential election concluded with former president Donald Trump securing a second term, winning both the popular vote and a decisive majority in the Electoral College against Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump’s victory, propelled by voter concerns over inflation, immigration, healthcare, and economic challenges, has sparked concern within various communities, including North American Buddhists, who have raised questions about the potential impact on future social and environmental policies.

North America is home to an estimated 3–4 million Buddhists, including a significant Asian-American population and a broad community of practitioners who lean toward progressive values. Many North American Buddhists advocate principles such as compassion, non-violence, and environmental protection—values that some fear may be compromised by the policies associated with Trump’s previous administration.

Soto Zen priest Zenju Earthlyn Manuel shared on social media:

We must use our suffering to find the medicine. Suffering hurts but it’s good stuff. It is accessible and we can make it pliable if it is too hard, too tough. Today we simply water our earth and see what will come from our constant attention to freedom and liberation.

More later. I’m here and I see you. Walk tall. Sit tall. Crawl. Lay down. Whatever position to be here in this life. Curse and cry. Shout and breathe. (Facebook)

Trump’s victory can largely be attributed to a strong voter response to economic frustrations. Exit polls indicated widespread concern over inflation and high living costs, as well as frustration with the perceived economic policies of the administration of President Joe Biden. Trump’s message of economic revival struck a chord with voters in critical battleground states, where concerns about the cost of living were among the most pressing issues.

Buddhist actor and Zen Priest Peter Coyote offered a scathing rebuke of Harris’s political party in his own message on social media:

Maybe now, my fellow Democrats will review their fascination with Coastal elites, revisit their support of GATT and NAFTA and supporting the wage freeze that extended from 1973 until 2023. Maybe they’ll want to revisit the idea that elections should be funded by the taxpayer and that corporations should not be allowed to spend their profits altering public policy for their SHAREHOLDERS instead of the people. And maybe allowing lobbyists to give cash, or trips, or speaking fees to legislators is not a great idea. (Facebook)

However, these concerns were accompanied by worry that a return to Trump-era policies may bring reversals in areas such as environmental regulation and social services. During his first term, Trump’s administration rolled back numerous environmental protections, deprioritized climate action, and enforced stringent immigration policies. Many Buddhists who support ecological stewardship and inclusivity view these policies as contradictory to their core beliefs and have voiced concern over potential impacts on social cohesion and environmental well-being.

In response to the election results, many in the Buddhist community expressed a commitment to deepening their engagement in social and environmental issues. Rather than disengaging, Buddhist leaders urged their communities to reaffirm their values of compassion, resilience, and non-violence. Roshi James Ford wrote on Facebook:

I feel the evil of our age into my bones and marrow. Fortunately, I found some guidance from Shinran Shonin. “Passions obstruct my eyes and I cannot see him; Nevertheless, great compassion is untiring and illumines me always.” I know I just need to follow that illumination, dim as it feels in the moment. (Facebook)

Historically, Buddhism has emphasized personal awakening and communal duties over political engagement. In recent decades, however, many Buddhists around the world have become involved in social and environmental activism, recognizing that such issues impact the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. With Trump’s return to office, many Buddhists see an opportunity to deepen their advocacy, both within their communities and in collaboration with other groups working toward social and environmental justice.

Buddhist teacher, author, and activist Mushim Patricia Ikeda shared:

The Bodhisattva vow does not change, it simply manifests according to what is needed. Do whatever you need to do today to restore your spirits and help others toward liberation. (Facebook)

Tricycle Magazine will host a free meditation session on Zoom on 7 November at 12 p.m. US Eastern Time on the topic, “Finding Calm Together,” with Zen Buddhist teacher and psychotherapist Seth Zuiho Segall. The Buddhist Peace Fellowship will continue to offer Refuge Circle, “a multi-lineage, spiritual-political space for us to ground in contemplative practice, with community, especially in times of grief, loss, and rage at ongoing harm from systems of oppression,” Monday through Thursday mornings at 9 a.m. US Pacific Time.

See more

Voter anger over economy boosts Trump in 2024, baffling Democrats (The Washington Post)
US election 2024: The key issues driving votes in the swing states (Al Jazeera)
Zenju Earthlyn Manuel (Facebook)
Peter Coyote (Facebook)
James Ford (Facebook)
Mushim Patricia Ikeda (Facebook)
Finding Calm Together Special Event with Seth Zuihō Segall (Tricycle Magazine Zoom meeting)
Refuge Circle (Buddhist Peace Fellowship)

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