The Co-Dependent Arising of Liberation: An Exploration of Buddhist Thought and Social Justice Models

Authors

Emily Ward, Loyola Marymount University

Publication Date

5-2024

Keywords

Socially Engaged Buddhism, Social Justice, White Supremacy, Karma, Liberation

Abstract

The language of liberation is prevalent in both spiritual and activist communities: the intersection of these practices, of liberating ourselves on the planes of embodied existence and beyond, interests me deeply. While the limitations of language are frequently expounded in Buddhism, the similarities between Buddhist and social justice terminology are what initially piqued my interest in exploring how key ideas from each field could be enhanced by mutual understanding. While much work has already been done in the field of Socially Engaged Buddhism, I hope to contribute to it by examining two models I have found useful in teaching racial justice: Tema Okun’s “Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture” and Bobbie Harro’s “Cycle of Socialization.” For each of these models, I will outline key Buddhist teachings such as dependent origination, no self, compassion, and karma that I believe offer opportunities for further illumination and support. There are, of course, a diverse array of Buddhist teachings and beliefs that vary across lineages and are open to interpretation. As I cannot hope to represent the whole scope of Buddhist belief here, my use of the word “Buddhism” will remain general, drawing largely from the broad strokes of Mahayana beliefs, with occasional reference to Chan/Zen more specifically.

Recommended Citation

Ward, Emily (2024) "The Co-Dependent Arising of Liberation: An Exploration of Buddhist Thought and Social Justice Models," Say Something Theological: The Student Journal of Theological Studies: Vol. 7: Iss. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/saysomethingtheological/vol7/iss1/4