Justin Whitaker
@justinwhitaker.bsky.social
Senior Correspondent at Buddhistdoor Global (BDG); PhD in Buddhist ethics from U London, writer on Pali Buddhism and interfaith dialogue
SGI has been a strong force for Engaged Buddhism around the world. Here, they seek to rally global solidarity to confront the growing climate crisis.
www.buddhistdoor.net/news/engaged...
www.buddhistdoor.net/news/engaged...
Engaged Buddhism: The Soka Gakkai Issues Statement Calling for Global Solidarity on Climate Crisis Ahead of COP30 - Buddhistdoor Global
The Soka Gakkai International has issued a public statement ahead of COP30, urging civil society and faith communities to unite to tackle climate change.
www.buddhistdoor.net
November 10, 2025 at 8:26 PM
SGI has been a strong force for Engaged Buddhism around the world. Here, they seek to rally global solidarity to confront the growing climate crisis.
www.buddhistdoor.net/news/engaged...
www.buddhistdoor.net/news/engaged...
Karma Yonten Gyatso concludes his excellent series on Buddhist publishing in our modern age, bringing it all back home...
"The Dharma is not the sole refuge. You need the Buddha, represented by the teacher, and the sangha, your community of spiritual friends."
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/so-...
"The Dharma is not the sole refuge. You need the Buddha, represented by the teacher, and the sangha, your community of spiritual friends."
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/so-...
So, You Want to Be a Buddhist Author, Eh? Part Six: Bringing It All Back Home - Buddhistdoor Global
What happens when the Dharma meets AI? In the final installment of his series on Buddhist publishing, John Negru explores the irreplaceable role of living teachers in transmitting wisdom beyond words
www.buddhistdoor.net
November 5, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Karma Yonten Gyatso concludes his excellent series on Buddhist publishing in our modern age, bringing it all back home...
"The Dharma is not the sole refuge. You need the Buddha, represented by the teacher, and the sangha, your community of spiritual friends."
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/so-...
"The Dharma is not the sole refuge. You need the Buddha, represented by the teacher, and the sangha, your community of spiritual friends."
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/so-...
Reposted by Justin Whitaker
I've finally got around to curating a selection of films about the #climate crisis 🎥
There's lot of mediocre climate films out there, but for me these stand out head & shoulders above the rest 🎞️
They make excellent resources for classrooms, lecture halls, or community cinema's 🎬
Thread:🧵Plz RT
There's lot of mediocre climate films out there, but for me these stand out head & shoulders above the rest 🎞️
They make excellent resources for classrooms, lecture halls, or community cinema's 🎬
Thread:🧵Plz RT
November 1, 2025 at 10:17 AM
I've finally got around to curating a selection of films about the #climate crisis 🎥
There's lot of mediocre climate films out there, but for me these stand out head & shoulders above the rest 🎞️
They make excellent resources for classrooms, lecture halls, or community cinema's 🎬
Thread:🧵Plz RT
There's lot of mediocre climate films out there, but for me these stand out head & shoulders above the rest 🎞️
They make excellent resources for classrooms, lecture halls, or community cinema's 🎬
Thread:🧵Plz RT
Ditch health insurance for a nonprofit (non-religious) health share? Thoughts?
November 1, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Ditch health insurance for a nonprofit (non-religious) health share? Thoughts?
Missoula (and area) folks, have a look!
Stop a Mine in the Blackfoot River Corridor
Protect the Blackfoot River Corridor
By signing, I endorse the open letter below urging County Commissioners to hold an emergency-zoning hearing. Every voice helps.
c.org/jTF9s6Kb9b
Stop a Mine in the Blackfoot River Corridor
Protect the Blackfoot River Corridor
By signing, I endorse the open letter below urging County Commissioners to hold an emergency-zoning hearing. Every voice helps.
c.org/jTF9s6Kb9b
Can you spare a minute to help this campaign?
Stop a Mine in the Blackfoot River Corridor
c.org
October 29, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Missoula (and area) folks, have a look!
Stop a Mine in the Blackfoot River Corridor
Protect the Blackfoot River Corridor
By signing, I endorse the open letter below urging County Commissioners to hold an emergency-zoning hearing. Every voice helps.
c.org/jTF9s6Kb9b
Stop a Mine in the Blackfoot River Corridor
Protect the Blackfoot River Corridor
By signing, I endorse the open letter below urging County Commissioners to hold an emergency-zoning hearing. Every voice helps.
c.org/jTF9s6Kb9b
Peace and nonviolence is the not just the destination, it is the path. Read here about the latest @Buddhist effort to bring peace through pilgrimage--in this case from Texas to DC.
And see the bottom for recent similar news from @buddhistdoor.bsky.social
www.buddhistdoor.net/news/buddhis...
And see the bottom for recent similar news from @buddhistdoor.bsky.social
www.buddhistdoor.net/news/buddhis...
Buddhist Monks Begin Pilgrimage for Peace from Texas to Washington, DC - Buddhistdoor Global
The Walk for Peace emphasizes mindfulness, unity, and compassion, with monks observing traditional ascetic practices during the journey.
www.buddhistdoor.net
October 28, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Peace and nonviolence is the not just the destination, it is the path. Read here about the latest @Buddhist effort to bring peace through pilgrimage--in this case from Texas to DC.
And see the bottom for recent similar news from @buddhistdoor.bsky.social
www.buddhistdoor.net/news/buddhis...
And see the bottom for recent similar news from @buddhistdoor.bsky.social
www.buddhistdoor.net/news/buddhis...
Reposted by Justin Whitaker
CFP deadline reminder: all submissions for the Asian Studies Conference Japan annual meeting are due by Friday, October 31! Submit your proposal by then to be considered for the July 4-5 conference at Sophia University.
Proposal Submission Forms
IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL SUBMITTERS. PLEASE READ FIRST:Starting this year, the Executive Committee is implementing changes to the online panel and roundtable proposal entry forms and to the conference…
ascjapan.org
October 27, 2025 at 2:32 PM
CFP deadline reminder: all submissions for the Asian Studies Conference Japan annual meeting are due by Friday, October 31! Submit your proposal by then to be considered for the July 4-5 conference at Sophia University.
One of the best aspects of #Buddhism in #America, imho, is its openness to building connections across whatever divides are out there--suffering anywhere is suffering we vow to overcome. Thanks @maiaduerr.bsky.social for this piece at @buddhistdoor.bsky.social
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/bud...
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/bud...
Buddhist Solidarity with Apache Stronghold - Buddhistdoor Global
At Oak Flat, Buddhist practitioners stand with Apache Stronghold to defend Indigenous sacred land, bringing compassion and awareness to the front lines of environmental justice
www.buddhistdoor.net
October 22, 2025 at 11:04 PM
One of the best aspects of #Buddhism in #America, imho, is its openness to building connections across whatever divides are out there--suffering anywhere is suffering we vow to overcome. Thanks @maiaduerr.bsky.social for this piece at @buddhistdoor.bsky.social
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/bud...
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/bud...
Reposted by Justin Whitaker
"...To be effective you have to keep coming back. You have to turn up where it counts. You have to make a nuisance of yourself. You must be noisy, obstructive, annoying. One by one, all these rights have been struck down....
The moment protest ceases to be effective is the moment democracy dies."
The moment protest ceases to be effective is the moment democracy dies."
How the Labour government would have banned the Labour movement.
My latest column.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My latest column.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Here’s what you need to know about Starmer’s illiberal protest curbs: they would have killed the Labour party at birth | George Monbiot
The rights we enjoy in the UK, and the movement the PM purports to lead, were built on protest. Those rights are in dire peril, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
October 13, 2025 at 3:19 PM
"...To be effective you have to keep coming back. You have to turn up where it counts. You have to make a nuisance of yourself. You must be noisy, obstructive, annoying. One by one, all these rights have been struck down....
The moment protest ceases to be effective is the moment democracy dies."
The moment protest ceases to be effective is the moment democracy dies."
How can Buddhists live their value in national and global politics?
"These are key ideas in Buddhist ethical thought that...deserve to be defended by their rightful stewards in the form of involved and concerned Buddhists."
Read more:
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/bud...
"These are key ideas in Buddhist ethical thought that...deserve to be defended by their rightful stewards in the form of involved and concerned Buddhists."
Read more:
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/bud...
Buddhistdoor View: The Wise and Compassionate Way to Shape Government - Buddhistdoor Global
A philosophical battle looms between Buddhists that see the first precept as essential and Buddhists who see war as acceptable in some cases
www.buddhistdoor.net
October 10, 2025 at 3:01 AM
How can Buddhists live their value in national and global politics?
"These are key ideas in Buddhist ethical thought that...deserve to be defended by their rightful stewards in the form of involved and concerned Buddhists."
Read more:
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/bud...
"These are key ideas in Buddhist ethical thought that...deserve to be defended by their rightful stewards in the form of involved and concerned Buddhists."
Read more:
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/bud...
The latest on #Buddhism and #war (and #genocide) from Brian Victoria.
"the reader is left to ponder the appropriateness of... Buddhist clerics... who have offered words of comfort and support to soldiers engaged in killing their fellow sentient beings."
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/the...
"the reader is left to ponder the appropriateness of... Buddhist clerics... who have offered words of comfort and support to soldiers engaged in killing their fellow sentient beings."
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/the...
The Prospect of Buddhist Complicity in Genocide, Part Two - Buddhistdoor Global
Brian Victoria delves deeper into the difficult conundrum of Buddhist chaplains active on the frontlines of military ideology and warfare
www.buddhistdoor.net
October 1, 2025 at 11:07 PM
The latest on #Buddhism and #war (and #genocide) from Brian Victoria.
"the reader is left to ponder the appropriateness of... Buddhist clerics... who have offered words of comfort and support to soldiers engaged in killing their fellow sentient beings."
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/the...
"the reader is left to ponder the appropriateness of... Buddhist clerics... who have offered words of comfort and support to soldiers engaged in killing their fellow sentient beings."
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/the...
This is really important work from @bescofield.bsky.social . Like most folks, I don't like seeing accounts of abuse in #Buddhism in the news. But if abuse happens, people need to know.
May all potentially abusive teachers be warned.
www.gurumag.com/secrets-of-s...
May all potentially abusive teachers be warned.
www.gurumag.com/secrets-of-s...
Secrets of Shambhala: Feeding Tsultrim Allione's Demons
Former members of Tara Mandala accuse its founder Tsultrim Allione of abuse behavior and running a highly toxic work environment.
www.gurumag.com
September 18, 2025 at 9:10 PM
This is really important work from @bescofield.bsky.social . Like most folks, I don't like seeing accounts of abuse in #Buddhism in the news. But if abuse happens, people need to know.
May all potentially abusive teachers be warned.
www.gurumag.com/secrets-of-s...
May all potentially abusive teachers be warned.
www.gurumag.com/secrets-of-s...
"In today’s world, we face numerous social and economic pressures to prioritize our own desires... Capitalism breeds a culture in which we desire to be “one step ahead” of everyone..."
#Buddhist #wisdom for our #anxiety filled lives.
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/tir...
#Buddhist #wisdom for our #anxiety filled lives.
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/tir...
Tired of Overthinking? Try Not Thinking About Yourself - Buddhistdoor Global
How meditating on maitri and committing to helping others can give perspective and clear the mind of self-centric overthinking
www.buddhistdoor.net
September 17, 2025 at 8:42 PM
"In today’s world, we face numerous social and economic pressures to prioritize our own desires... Capitalism breeds a culture in which we desire to be “one step ahead” of everyone..."
#Buddhist #wisdom for our #anxiety filled lives.
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/tir...
#Buddhist #wisdom for our #anxiety filled lives.
www.buddhistdoor.net/features/tir...
Reposted by Justin Whitaker
"I was the last remaining Black full-time opinion columnist at the Post [...] What happened to me is part of a broader purge of Black voices from academia, business, government, and media — a historical pattern as dangerous as it is shameful — and tragic."
Some personal news:
I've been fired from the Washington Post in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting.
Thread incoming.
substack.com/@karenattiah...
I've been fired from the Washington Post in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting.
Thread incoming.
substack.com/@karenattiah...
The Washington Post Fired Me — But My Voice Will Not Be Silenced.
I spoke out against hatred and violence in America — and it cost me my job.
substack.com
September 15, 2025 at 2:24 PM
"I was the last remaining Black full-time opinion columnist at the Post [...] What happened to me is part of a broader purge of Black voices from academia, business, government, and media — a historical pattern as dangerous as it is shameful — and tragic."
“Life is too short to not say exactly what you mean. All the time.” Jesse Welles
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZVr...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZVr...
Jesse Welles accepting the Spirit of Americana Award and playing War Isn't Murder
YouTube video by Tarot Readings From a Bitch
www.youtube.com
September 15, 2025 at 2:38 PM
“Life is too short to not say exactly what you mean. All the time.” Jesse Welles
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZVr...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZVr...
Reposted by Justin Whitaker
“Fuck ICE and free Palestine,” Hannah Einbinder said while accepting her award at the #Emmys, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and condemning ICE while wearing an #Artists4Ceasefire pin onstage.
Story: www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv...
Story: www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv...
September 15, 2025 at 1:18 AM
“Fuck ICE and free Palestine,” Hannah Einbinder said while accepting her award at the #Emmys, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and condemning ICE while wearing an #Artists4Ceasefire pin onstage.
Story: www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv...
Story: www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv...
Reposted by Justin Whitaker
BDG feature: An Artist’s Life: Ruth Asawa, Part Two
🔗 Read more: tinyurl.com/msv5cruf
#Art #Artists #ContemporaryArt #Creativity #JapaneseAmerican #RuthAsawa
🔗 Read more: tinyurl.com/msv5cruf
#Art #Artists #ContemporaryArt #Creativity #JapaneseAmerican #RuthAsawa
An Artist’s Life: Ruth Asawa, Part Two - Buddhistdoor Global
Ruth Asawa’s life and work show the meeting of art, mindfulness, and resilience
tinyurl.com
September 12, 2025 at 11:37 AM
BDG feature: An Artist’s Life: Ruth Asawa, Part Two
🔗 Read more: tinyurl.com/msv5cruf
#Art #Artists #ContemporaryArt #Creativity #JapaneseAmerican #RuthAsawa
🔗 Read more: tinyurl.com/msv5cruf
#Art #Artists #ContemporaryArt #Creativity #JapaneseAmerican #RuthAsawa
Reposted by Justin Whitaker
Vaccines work. Period.
September 12, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Vaccines work. Period.
Kudos, Melvin McLeod, for a tremendous life serving Dharma and building Sangha in the English-speaking world! A bit of retirement is well-deserved 🙏🙏🙏
www.lionsroar.com/founding-edi...
www.lionsroar.com/founding-edi...
Founding Editor-in-Chief Melvin McLeod becomes Lion’s Roar’s First Editor at Large
After more than 30 years with Lion’s Roar, our editor-in-chief Melvin McLeod is stepping into the role of editor at large.
www.lionsroar.com
September 1, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Kudos, Melvin McLeod, for a tremendous life serving Dharma and building Sangha in the English-speaking world! A bit of retirement is well-deserved 🙏🙏🙏
www.lionsroar.com/founding-edi...
www.lionsroar.com/founding-edi...
Reposted by Justin Whitaker
There’s something afoot in Iowa! Second flip of a GOP state seat there this year. Well done!
August 27, 2025 at 7:51 PM
There’s something afoot in Iowa! Second flip of a GOP state seat there this year. Well done!
Reposted by Justin Whitaker
We have a planet.
We have an atmosphere around it.
We are fucking it up.
We need to stop it.
Thanks.
We have an atmosphere around it.
We are fucking it up.
We need to stop it.
Thanks.
August 27, 2025 at 6:48 PM
We have a planet.
We have an atmosphere around it.
We are fucking it up.
We need to stop it.
Thanks.
We have an atmosphere around it.
We are fucking it up.
We need to stop it.
Thanks.
Reposted by Justin Whitaker
There will be many casualties from UChicago ending ('pausing') PhD admissions in Humantities, but one which I am keenly aware of: this is close to a death sentence for teaching cuneiform in the United States (esp. Sumerian, Hittite, Elamite, Eblaite, Luwian) and it will affect the whole world.
“Chicago has long helped to keep alive tiny fields & esoteric areas of humanistic study... Without the univ’s support, & the continued training of grad students who can keep these bodies of kn going, entire spheres of human learning might eventually blink out.” www.theatlantic.com/culture/arch...
If the University of Chicago Won’t Defend the Humanities, Who Will?
Why it matters that the University of Chicago is pausing admissions to doctoral programs in literature, philosophy, the arts, and languages
www.theatlantic.com
August 27, 2025 at 2:02 PM
There will be many casualties from UChicago ending ('pausing') PhD admissions in Humantities, but one which I am keenly aware of: this is close to a death sentence for teaching cuneiform in the United States (esp. Sumerian, Hittite, Elamite, Eblaite, Luwian) and it will affect the whole world.
Why I'll always be a "dog person" :)
For all the dog lovers. This is a classic. Worth seeing again.
August 27, 2025 at 4:02 AM
Why I'll always be a "dog person" :)
Reposted by Justin Whitaker
BDG news: Myanmar Junta to Demolish Buddhist Monasteries Under Pretext of “Archaeological Excavations”
🔗 Read more at BDG: tinyurl.com/y6j6wuj
#Buddhism #Theravada #Myanmar #Burma #Junta #Archaeology #BuddhistTemple #BuddhistHeritage #War #Oppression #MilitaryGovernment
🔗 Read more at BDG: tinyurl.com/y6j6wuj
#Buddhism #Theravada #Myanmar #Burma #Junta #Archaeology #BuddhistTemple #BuddhistHeritage #War #Oppression #MilitaryGovernment
Myanmar Junta to Demolish Buddhist Monasteries Under Pretext of “Archaeological Excavations” - Buddhistdoor Global
The Myanmar central government confirmed plans to raze Christian and Buddhist landmarks in Taungoo, echoing a wider pattern of attacks on religious institutions since the 2021 coup
tinyurl.com
August 26, 2025 at 7:25 AM
BDG news: Myanmar Junta to Demolish Buddhist Monasteries Under Pretext of “Archaeological Excavations”
🔗 Read more at BDG: tinyurl.com/y6j6wuj
#Buddhism #Theravada #Myanmar #Burma #Junta #Archaeology #BuddhistTemple #BuddhistHeritage #War #Oppression #MilitaryGovernment
🔗 Read more at BDG: tinyurl.com/y6j6wuj
#Buddhism #Theravada #Myanmar #Burma #Junta #Archaeology #BuddhistTemple #BuddhistHeritage #War #Oppression #MilitaryGovernment