The Buddhist Coalition for Democracy (BCD) has announced the launch of New Directions in Engaged Buddhism, a monthly series of live interviews featuring leading Buddhist teachers, scholars, and activists. The program is aimed at spotlighting the personal journeys of socially engaged Buddhists, the role of the Dharma in shaping social action, and visions for the future of engaged practice.
The upcoming series will be hosted by Dr. Julia Sagebien, a retired professor and practitioner with a long-standing interest in Buddhism and social justice, the BCD said in an announcement shared with BDG. Each 45-minute interview will be live-streamed via Zoom, with opportunities for audience participation, and later shared on YouTube and Substack as podcasts.
The first event will take place on 25 September at 7 p.m. EDT, featuring the Rev. Seth Zuiho Segall, a Zen priest, clinical psychologist, and contributing editor at Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. Rev. Segall is also a founding member of BCD and serves on its coordinating committee. His published works include books and articles that explore intersections of Buddhist practice, psychology, and ethical engagement.
Future guests in the series will include Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi, who will appear on 28 September, Tara Brach, Kaira Jewel Lingo, Roshi Sinclair Shinryu Thomson, Prof. Sharon A. Suh, Rev. angel Kyodo williams, Rev. Daiken Nelson Roshi, Mushim Patricia Ikeda, Joshin Byrnes, and Ellen Kornman Mains, with additional speakers to be announced.
Founded in the United States in March 2025, the Buddhist Coalition for Democracy is a volunteer-led, nonprofit alliance of sanghas and individuals representing diverse Buddhist traditions and lineages in the US. According to its official statement, the BCD arose out of concern for “the ongoing systematic destruction of norms and institutions that allow free societies to flourish.” (Buddhist Coalition for Democracy)
The coalition’s mission is rooted in Buddhist ethical commitments to compassion, interdependence, and justice, and its members affirm that democratic values best support a society that protects human dignity. The BCD stresses that its membership is broad, encompassing “radical, progressive, liberal, centrist, and conservative” perspectives, united by a shared love of democracy and a determination to safeguard it against authoritarian threats. (Buddhist Coalition for Democracy)
In its founding declaration, BCD outlined key principles: the defense of free and fair elections, separation of powers, a free press, and the rule of law; opposition to discrimination on any basis; the recognition of universal human rights; support for equitable access to education, healthcare, food, and shelter; and the urgent responsibility to address climate change and ecological destruction.
The coalition further resolves to bear witness to suffering, support victims of persecution, partner with allied civic and religious organizations, and educate about the dangers of autocracy, oligarchy, and kleptocracy. As its “Call to Action” states: “As Buddhists, we are called to witness the suffering of the world and to mindfully, wisely, and compassionately respond to it.” (Buddhist Coalition for Democracy)
Through initiatives such as New Directions in Engaged Buddhism, the BCD aims to embody what it describes as an “ethics of care,” asking both members and wider communities: “What is needed? How can we help?” (Buddhist Coalition for Democracy) This interview series represents an extension of that mission by creating a platform where leading engaged Buddhists can share their insights and connect with wider audiences.
By launching the series, the coalition continues its efforts to amplify Buddhist voices that defend democratic principles while remaining grounded in the Dharma’s commitment to nonviolence, right speech, and compassion.
The Zoom link for the first interview has been made public, and BCD has confirmed that dates and times for future conversations will be posted on its official events calendar.
See more
Call to Action (Buddhist Coalition for Democracy)
BCD New Directions in Engaged Buddhism Live Telecast: Julia Sagebien interviews Rev. Seth Zuihō Segall (Buddhist Coalition for Democracy)
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