Engaged Buddhism - Including Today. A Talk with Dr. Rick Hanson

This week I’m diving into a topic that’s close to my heart: How do we connect our personal healing and awakening… to the broader world that’s hurting? This is often called Engaged Buddhism — but honestly, it’s relevant to anyone who wants to live with wisdom, compassion, and integrity, especially in times like these. We’ll look at how inner peace can and should lead to outer action. I’ll talk about how the Buddha himself confronted systemic suffering in his day, what that means for us now, and why values — yes, even judgment — actually matter on the path. We’ll explore: Why inner work isn’t separate from outer work Why compassion means addressing the causes of suffering, not just feeling bad about it How to take wise, compassionate action without burning out What to do when you’re outraged, overwhelmed, or just tired Why the Buddha’s life (including leaving his family) is more complex than the myth How the Buddha did challenge systemic injustice (yes, including caste and patriarchy) 5 practical ways to stay grounded and engaged in a hurting world — right now, right where you are This is not about preaching. It’s about practical tools, honest reflection, and standing up for what’s good — without burning out. If you’re someone who wants to grow spiritually and make a difference, I think you’ll find something useful here. You can see the meditation that went along with this talk, here: https://rickhanson.com/meditation-tal... If you would like to join the free, online Wednesday Meditations, sign up here: https://rickhanson.com/wednesday-medi... If you would like to donate to the weekly Wednesday Talk + Meditations, you can do that here: https://rickhanson.com/wednesday-medi... #EngagedBuddhism #BuddhistWisdom #InnerPeaceOuterChange #SpiritualActivism #CompassionInAction #RickHanson #SocialJustice #MindfulnessInAction #BuddhismAndJustice #WiseAction #SystemicChange #BuddhistEthics #HealingTheWorld #MindfulResistance #AwakeningTogether #CivicEngagement #SpiritualGrowth #BuddhismToday #SelfCareAndService #ConsciousLiving #MindfulActivism #GlobalHealing #BuddhistPerspective #ResilientCompassion #WisdomInAction