The Buddha as Political Actor

With Rev. Doctor Thomas Redden

Main Reading Room 7:00 pm

Optional meditation in Community Meeting Room, 6:15 – 6:40

Beginners welcome at 6:00 for an introduction

What if the Buddhist values of loving-kindness and compassion were at the heart of a political philosophy, what we might call a ‘Politics of Compassion,’ in 21st century USA?  Explore the Buddha’s world, his politics, and what an ‘Engaged Buddhism’ looks like in the US today through a series of three programs with Rev. Dr. Thomas Redden, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Political Science and History, Southern Vermont College & Marlboro College, and ordained Zen Buddhist priest, Zen Peacemaker Order.

The series:

The Buddha’s World: October 19. The historic Buddha lived at a time of dramatic change technologically, economically, socially and politically. Dr. Redden will examine those changes and how the Buddha’s teachings challenged the traditional Brahmanism of his day and resonated with his many followers.

The Buddha as Political Actor: November 16. As the leader of religious community numbering in the thousands in Eastern India, the Buddha needed to maintain good relations with the local kings and communities in order to thrive in a very political and often violent environment.  As a result, he developed distinctive leadership styles toward his followers as well as the local rulers. Above all, he was pragmatic, non-dogmatic and flexible.

Engaged Buddhism and American Politics Today: December 21.  With the global climate crisis and other daunting political issues clearly in their sight, a variety of leading ‘Engaged Buddhists,’ such as the Dalai Lama, argue that our search for happiness through consumerism and naked self-interest is leading us down a path of self-destruction.  Engaged Buddhism works toward personal and social transformation with the aspiration of creating societies based on compassion and justice.

The lectures will be held in the Main Reading Room at 7 pm. Each presentation will be preceded by a short period of Zen meditation in the Community Meeting Room from 6:15-6:40 for those interested. Beginners are welcome to arrive at 6 for a brief introduction.

The program is free and open to the public. The venue, 224 Main St. in Brattleboro, is accessible to people in wheelchairs.  For more information visit www.brookslibraryvt.org or call 802-254-5290 ex 1201.