The Elephant Group has been meeting since January 2026 as an informal group within the Bodhi College sangha. Its name comes from John Peacock’s article The Elephant in the Dhamma Hall: What is the place of politics in Buddhism? (March 2024).

We are a small group of Dhamma practitioners who are also deeply concerned about events locally and globally — war, genocide, climate change, the depletion of natural resources, inequality, the rise of the far right, and more. These issues evoke difficult feelings, but they also prompt genuine inquiry: what counts as right action, right speech and right livelihood in the world we find ourselves in?

We take much of our inspiration from the teachings of Early Buddhism, as is characteristic of Bodhi College more broadly, while also recognising the importance of later traditions. In particular, we understand that dukkha is not only the product of the kilesas, but also arises from trying to live ethically within a society that is highly extractive, unequal and unsustainable.

We seek to explore:

  • How Dhamma teachings can inform our views and actions in response to social, political and environmental upheaval.
  • How engagement with a changing world can help us to understand and deepen traditional teachings.
  • What personal training an engaged practitioner might wisely undertake — around equanimity, views (ditthi), right occupation, grief, privilege, and the risk of turning sorrow into yet another form of dukkha.

We all hold views and cannot escape them. What we can do is remain curious about the frameworks we take for granted, and open to listening to perspectives that differ from our own. Such dialogue is not always comfortable — but discomfort should not be confused with unsafety. The health of a group like this depends on trust, and trust requires a commitment to turn up, be present, and gradually build common ground.

At this point we are reflecting on what this group might realistically contribute to the Bodhi College sangha and its secular Buddhist programme, and we warmly welcome others who feel drawn to explore these questions with us.