Abstract

This is a three-part popular philosophy article for the Daily Philosophy website. I challenge the 'engaged Buddhist' conviction that social and political activism is consistent with Buddhist teachings. I focus on the Buddha's teachings on compassion and the 'overcoming of suffering' (part one), the kinds of attitudes and actions he endorsed and condemned (part two), and the essentially quietist character of his moral vision (part three). A theme of the discussion is the neglect or dismissal, by modern engaged Buddhists, of themes in the texts that are inconsistent with their own outlook and convictions.