The current political climate is deeply troubling, as policies and actions that seem to contradict democratic principles, human rights, and compassion are rapidly gaining ground. This has caused widespread fear, especially concerning the erosion of freedoms, equality, and social justice. There is a palpable sense of loss, as hard-fought progress made over decades is being rolled back, leaving vulnerable communities exposed to greater harm.

In this era of rising political hostility, Black, Indigenous,People of Color, immigrants, and transgender individuals have been especially targeted. Systemic racism continues to manifest in state-sponsored violence, discriminatory laws, and efforts to suppress voting rights. Immigrants, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, face heightened attacks through policies that strip away their dignity, their right to live freely, and their opportunity for a better life. The transgender community is subjected to an unrelenting wave of legislative assaults that undermine their right to exist, access healthcare, and be seen for who they are. These groups, already fighting against long-standing oppression, are now under even greater threat, as political leaders exploit fear and division for personal and party gain.

At the same time, the very foundations of democracy are being eroded, as the gap between the wealthy elite and the rest of society widens, and oligarchic control over political institutions increases. Voter suppression, gerrymandering, corporate influence in politics, and attempts to dismantle key democratic safeguards create an environment where power is consolidated in the hands of a few, undermining the voice and agency of the broader public. As democratic norms buckle under this pressure, there is a growing risk that the United States will become an oligarchy, where the will of the few overrides the rights and needs of the many.

In this context, the call for resistance is urgent. The history of struggle against oppression and injustice shows that the strength of communities united for justice can bring about real change. Compassion—recognizing the suffering of others and working toward alleviating it—has always been a central tenet of movements for human dignity and rights. Even in these dark times, when it feels like everything is unraveling, small acts of resistance—from local protests to global movements—continue to spark hope, resilience, and the possibility of a better future. To fight these attacks on disenfranchised communities and preserve the promise of democracy, it is crucial that we stand up, speak out, and work toward a more just and compassionate society for all.

Embodying the six paramitas (perfections) in response to systemic oppression, attacks on disenfranchised communities, and the erosion of democracy offers a powerful framework for action rooted in compassion, wisdom, and ethical integrity.

Our Commitment to the Solution – Six Paramita Model

Generosity (Dana):
Generosity goes beyond material giving. In a time when harmful policies are causing suffering for vulnerable groups, we are called to practice generosity in its many forms. This goes beyond financial support to include giving our time, energy, and care to stand in solidarity with those impacted, while supporting individuals and movements fighting for justice. It could involve donating to organizations that advocate for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), immigrant, and transgender rights, volunteering at shelters or legal aid clinics, amplifying marginalized voices, participating in direct actions, or sharing resources and knowledge to empower others in the struggle for justice. It also extends to sharing wisdom and compassion—even to those who cause harm—as a way to plant seeds of understanding and transformation.

Ethical Conduct (Shila):
Living ethically demands integrity, especially when policies harm others. Upholding fairness, compassion, and respect for all people isn’t just a personal practice, but a call to advocate for justice at every level of society. The erosion of democratic principles and the rise of discriminatory policies challenge us to resist harmful actions, whether through direct participation or silent complicity. This means actively speaking out against racism, transphobia, and xenophobia, advocating for policies that protect equality and human dignity, and critically examining our own biases and actions to ensure we do not contribute to the suffering of others, even unintentionally.

Patience (Kshanti):
The current situation may evoke anger, fear, and despair. In times of great unrest, patience is crucial. The road toward justice and equality is often long and filled with obstacles, patience reminds us that lasting change requires perseverance, even when things seem overwhelming or hopeless. It encourages us to remain steady and composed, even in the face of injustice, continuing the fight for what is right, even when the progress is slow. This patience is not passivity, but rather the ability to endure difficulties without losing sight of our commitment to compassion and wisdom. Real change takes time and effort, but even small acts of kindness, understanding, and solidarity can create a ripple effect, contributing to a more just and equitable society. It allows us to engage in long-term efforts for change, understanding that transformation takes time and sustained effort.

Diligence (Virya):
The assault on democratic values and human rights demands diligent action. We cannot afford to be complacent or paralyzed by fear. Diligence is the drive to take consistent and vigorous action, and the rising tide of injustice demands it. We are called to act without complacency, persisting in our efforts to change the systems that harm others. This involves using our energy not only to resist harmful policies, but also to build and promote more equitable alternatives. Diligence means actively resisting harmful policies, educating ourselves and others, and working tirelessly to create a more just and compassionate society. It also means cultivating inner strength and resilience so we are not discouraged by setbacks. Like a Bodhisattva, we are called to persevere in our efforts to alleviate suffering, no matter how daunting the task may seem.

Meditative Concentration (Dhyana):
While action is vital, so is the ability to remain centered and mindful in the midst of turmoil. Meditation enables us to act from a place of calm awareness rather than reactive anger. In a chaotic and fearful world, this practice reminds us to stay grounded and act with clarity and purpose. Concentration also helps us avoid being overwhelmed by anger or despair, allowing us to see the interconnectedness of all beings, the root causes of suffering, and the impermanent nature of these difficulties. Through meditation, we cultivate inner peace and stability, enabling us to respond to external challenges with wisdom and compassion.

Wisdom (Prajna):
Wisdom reveals the profound interconnectedness of all beings, reminding us that harm to one is harm to all. It invites us to look beyond surface-level divisions and to deeply understand the root causes of suffering. In the face of injustice, wisdom guides us toward actions that are thoughtful, intentional, and grounded in a clear understanding of their potential impact. It helps us see beyond the immediacy of our emotions and consider the long-term consequences of our choices.

In times of political unrest, wisdom calls for a careful examination of the underlying causes of division. It challenges us to discern truth from falsehood, to resist the temptation of simplistic solutions, and to engage with complexity rather than retreat into certainty. Wisdom asks us to reflect on how we seek knowledge: Are we drawing from diverse sources? Are we engaging in meaningful dialogue, or are we reacting impulsively based on emotion? It encourages us to pause, analyze, and act with clarity rather than being swept away by the currents of anger or fear.

By integrating wisdom into our approach, we can navigate challenges with a sense of purpose and discernment. This understanding empowers us to work for change without succumbing to hatred or despair. Wisdom also guides us to discern the most skillful means to address suffering, whether through advocacy, education, or direct action, encouraging us to look beyond superficial divisions and recognize the shared humanity of all beings, even those who perpetuate harm.

Conclusion

The challenges we face are immense, but the Six Paramitas provide a roadmap for responding with compassion, wisdom, and courage. We must resist harmful policies and stand up for those who are targeted, but we must do so in a way that embodies the Bodhisattva spirit. This means acting with generosity, ethical integrity, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom. We not only work to alleviate suffering in the world but also transform our own hearts and minds, moving closer to the realization of our shared humanity and interconnectedness. In this way, our resistance becomes more than a reaction—it becomes a mindful, sustained commitment to alleviating suffering and building a more just and compassionate society for all.

If you stand in support of this statement and are committed to upholding these principles, we invite you to add your name below. Join us in resisting oppression and championing compassion by signing the petition at Resisting Oppression, Upholding Compassion.

Signed,

Lama Matthew Palden Gocha
Gabi Otto
Nicole Esquibel
Jean Davis
Andrea Duloc
Beniah Leuschke
Sergio C. Moreno-Denton
Vickie Cumberland
Jason Greer
Michael Lee
Kathy Tracy
Ron Bremer
Toni Wills
Walt Frampus Frye
Todd Newport
Kate Melles
Mark Pridmore
Carol Armstrong
Heather Backer
Daniel Scharpenburg
Kelten Barber
Rose Roberts
James Stolarski
Robert Scagliotti
Meri Lee Scagliotti
Erin Scrogum
Sherry Lewis
Jamaine Abidogun
Bonnie Goodvin
Patti Parker
Luke Townsend
Pamela Darby-Mullins
Karen Johnstone
Martha Rice
Graeme Nash
Jan Twemlow
Kelly Kibirige