Thoughts from our Guiding Teacher and an Acknowledgement Practice for Palestine, Israel, Lebanon and the Levant
Since October 7, 2023, a number of us at Clouds in Water have grappled with how to be with one another–and how to talk about Gaza, Palestine, and Israel in a manner that does not cause lasting harm, and does not sever connection. The teachers at Clouds have given public Sunday morning dharma talks about this violence and suffering. Individual practitioners at Clouds have brought information, resources, and ideas to the sangha about actions to take to end the violence and killing. We hosted a Palestine and Israel study and practice group to more deeply understand the violence and the conditions that led to it.
In the winter of 2024-25, a small group of us were actively engaged in trying to develop a public statement and practice document that addresses this tragedy. Our group was racially, ethnically, and religiously mixed, as is our community.We could not come to an agreement about what to say. However, as Guiding Teacher, I do want to share some of our thoughts in the hopes that individuals and groups in our community may deepen their inquiry into these and other ongoing atrocities as they relate to their Buddhist practice and how they travel the bodhisattva path.
It seems important to begin by acknowledging that Buddhism and Zen have a long, troubling relationship with war and imperialism. It is helpful for us to bring forth and practice the teachings that actively oppose both the violence of war and the support of empires.
At the heart of our engagement with the widening crisis beginning in Palestine and Israel is our mission to awaken the heart of great wisdom and compassion. It is my sincere belief that Sōtō Zen Buddhist teachings and community can be good medicine, and that we can call on our practice to help us slow down, get curious, and step into cultural humility and collective care in nuanced ways that support healing and action. See below for a description of some of the particular teachings that can be helpful with this and other crises or difficult situations in the world or in our lives.
As Buddhists, I believe we are called to speak up for all human beings who are the subject of violence. While our practice is about extending compassion to everyone, even those who are inciting violence, our wish is for all violence to end. Our wish is for lasting peace for all sides to become a reality, and for reconstruction and reconciliation to begin. I invite us not to shrink from examining the actions and policies of our own country, and from seeing how they may be responsible for inciting, worsening, or prolonging violence. I also invite us to support our community members who choose to take action to oppose such harmful policies and try to end them.
My words here reflect the contributions of diverse members of Clouds in Water Zen Center who tried to draft a more complete statement. These words do not fully capture the nuances and sentiments of all group members. However, everyone in our group was and is united in our belief that Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism, Anti-Arab Racism, and oppression are unacceptable in all forms.
I have deep gratitude for everyone who engaged in this process, and for the whole sangha as we continue to support one another in difficult times.
Acknowledgement Practice for Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, and the Levant
Practice Suggestions for Turbulent Times
Prayer For One Who Brings Chaos
I welcome reflections and feedback on the Acknowledgement Practice. Please feel free to fill out this google form, which will remain live through January 1, 2026.
Deep bows,
Sosan Theresa Flynn
Guiding Teacher
