In a world where suffering takes many forms, the bodhisattva’s path calls us to awaken, not just for ourselves but for the benefit of all beings. The concept of engaged Buddhism aligns deeply with this path—it is a movement that compels us to actively alleviate suffering, not merely through meditation and contemplation, but through direct action in the world. And when we look at the suffering of the LGBTQ+ community, we find a clear and urgent need for bodhisattvas to rise and respond.
The Bodhisattva’s Commitment to Compassion
A bodhisattva is someone who vows to remain in the cycle of existence—not to escape suffering, but to help others transcend it. In Mahayana Buddhism, this path is not optional if one truly seeks enlightenment. The journey toward nirvana is inherently tied to the alleviation of suffering in others.
Engaged Buddhism, which has its roots in Asia and has spread to the West, embodies this bodhisattva spirit. It urges us not to turn away from the pain of the world but to step into it with courage and compassion. It challenges the notion that enlightenment is only about personal peace. As Thích Nhất Hạnh, a leading voice of engaged Buddhism, once said, “If we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem.”
Why Engaged Buddhism Calls Us to LGBTQ+ Advocacy
The LGBTQ+ community has long faced suffering in the form of discrimination, violence, and systemic exclusion. Many individuals have been rejected by their families, denied basic rights, or forced to hide their true selves. This suffering is not separate from the suffering that Buddhism seeks to address—it is a part of the greater human condition that calls for our attention and compassion.
Buddhism teaches that the greatest illusion is separation—the idea that we are distinct from one another, that some deserve kindness while others do not. When society marginalizes LGBTQ+ individuals, it is acting from this illusion of division. A bodhisattva’s role is to dissolve these barriers and recognize the interconnectedness of all beings.
When we hear the voice that says, “This is too big of an issue; I am just one person,” we must recognize it as Mara’s whisper—a distraction meant to dissuade us from our true path. When another voice tempts us, saying, “I am finding peace in my meditation; the suffering of the world is not my concern,” we must see it as another illusion. Meditation is not an escape—it is a preparation for action.
Answering the Call to Be a Bodhisattva
The call to be a bodhisattva does not always come as a grand mission. It may come in the form of standing up against hate speech, offering a supportive presence to a struggling friend, or advocating for policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights. Sometimes, it is as simple as affirming someone’s identity when the world refuses to see them.
Being a silent bystander when people are hurting, knowing of suffering but not contributing in any way to lessen the harm, is not a Buddhist practice. True compassion requires action, whether through direct intervention or offering support in ways that align with our abilities and circumstances. The bodhisattva does not simply observe suffering—they engage with it and seek to transform it.
There are two forces moving in society today. One force seeks to expand compassion, inclusivity, and justice. The other clings to ego, fear, and self-preservation at the expense of others. These forces are in conflict in our politics, our communities, and even within ourselves. But the bodhisattva does not shrink from conflict—rather, they step forward, trusting that love and compassion will ultimately prevail.
A Collective Awakening
As engaged Buddhists, we are called to be present, to listen deeply, and to act wisely. The suffering of LGBTQ+ individuals is not an issue separate from the dharma—it is a direct manifestation of the suffering that the Buddha sought to end. By advocating for the dignity and well-being of all beings, including LGBTQ+ individuals, we honor the bodhisattva’s vow.
May we have the courage to walk this path. May we extend our hands in compassion. And may we remember that enlightenment is not found in isolation, but in the love and liberation of all beings.