Raymond Klassen – Ideals and Identities

I am tempted to say out loud, “Donald Trump is quite mundane, quite boring.” However, I have encountered a few Zen teachers in my day. I think a Buddhist response to Donald Trump seems warranted these days. And while I am not Buddhist, the power of meditation can create a calm clearing in the wilderness.

A Canadian response to bullying, particularly in the context of Donald Trump’s ongoing approach to Canada, continues to benefit from Buddhist principles of wisdom, compassion, and non-harm. Trump influences American politics and public discourse, and his confrontational style remains a force that Canada must navigate. His rhetoric, protectionist policies, and dismissive attitude toward Canada continue to shape trade discussions, alliances, and diplomatic interactions. Whether through continued economic pressures, political influence over trade negotiations, or his ability to sway public opinion in the U.S., Trump’s presence as a dominant figure persists. However, from a Buddhist perspective, responding to such tactics with anger or retaliation only continues the cycle of conflict. Instead, Canada should continue to approach these challenges with a combination of assertiveness, mindfulness, and principled action.

At the heart of Buddhism is the recognition that suffering arises from ignorance, attachment, and aversion. A leader who employs bullying tactics continues to act from insecurity, a need for control, or a misunderstanding of interdependence. Trump’s rhetoric still plays to his political base, using nationalism and confrontation to assert dominance in international relationships, including with Canada. While Canada still faces economic and diplomatic pressure as a result, responding with resentment or hostility does not lead to a productive outcome. A Buddhist response calls for understanding the roots of such behavior and choosing a path that reduces harm rather than escalating tension.

Compassion, or mettā, remains a core Buddhist practice that involves extending goodwill toward all beings, including those who act aggressively. This does not mean passivity or weakness but rather approaching difficult situations with a mindset of patience and dignity. As Trump continues to influence American policies and trade negotiations, Canada needs to recognize that reacting with outrage is not the best course of action. Instead, the Canadian government should continue to engage with the U.S. through diplomacy and pragmatism, maintaining its values without fueling unnecessary animosity. This does not mean that it should tolerate assertions of dominance.

Mindfulness, or sati, is another essential tool in dealing with ongoing political bullying. Mindfulness encourages awareness of one’s emotions and reactions without being consumed by them. As Canada continues to face uncertainty in trade discussions, NATO commitments, and cross-border relations influenced by Trump’s rhetoric, it remains crucial to stay steady and avoid being drawn into emotional responses. Mindfulness allows for measured, strategic decision-making rather than impulsive reactions. Instead of responding to provocation with similar aggression, Canada benefits from maintaining a calm, reasoned approach that protects its interests while preserving its global reputation as a stable and cooperative nation.

Non-attachment, or upekkhā, plays a key role in avoiding unnecessary suffering. If Canada clings too strongly to feelings of betrayal or injustice, it risks losing sight of practical solutions. The ability to acknowledge unfair treatment while not being consumed by resentment is a form of strength. Trump’s transactional view of relationships continues to challenge traditional alliances, and Canada must regularly adapt and seek new strategies to navigate these pressures. This ability to move forward without being trapped by grievance remains a demonstration of how non-attachment fosters resilience.

Compassion, or karuṇā, remains a vital aspect of responding to political aggression. While it may be difficult to extend compassion to a figure like Trump, recognizing the suffering that fuels aggressive behavior is an important perspective. His need for dominance and control continues to stem from deep-seated insecurities and political pressures that drive him to act in ways that harm others. Compassion does not mean excusing harmful actions but rather seeing the humanity in all individuals, even those who behave as bullies. This perspective allows Canada to respond in ways that de-escalate tensions rather than reinforce hostility.

Right speech and right action, key elements of the Noble Eightfold Path, continue to guide a wise response. Right speech encourages honesty and diplomacy, avoiding inflammatory language that could worsen tensions. Canada’s leaders still recognize the importance of a measured tone when dealing with Trump’s lingering influence, avoiding personal attacks while staying firm on key issues. Right action involves making decisions that align with ethical principles, even in the face of pressure. Canada continues to uphold its commitments to international agreements and human rights, even when Trump’s rhetoric undermines such values, demonstrating the power of ethical consistency.

Forgiveness is another powerful Buddhist principle that remains relevant in this situation. Holding onto resentment toward Trump’s actions would only burden Canada with negativity. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or condoning harmful behavior, but rather releasing the emotional weight of past grievances. Canada’s long-term relationship with the United States is more significant than any one leader’s policies, and recognizing the impermanence of Trump’s influence helps in moving forward without dwelling on past conflicts. At the same time, Canada remains aware that Trump’s influence on trade, diplomacy, and global alliances continues, and so vigilance is required alongside forgiveness.

Equanimity, or upekkhā, remains essential for maintaining stability in challenging circumstances. Equanimity allows for a balanced response that is not swayed by external chaos. Trump’s unpredictable nature continues to create diplomatic uncertainty, but Canada’s ability to remain steady and focused ensures that it does not get caught up in unnecessary turmoil. By maintaining a calm and measured stance, Canada positions itself as a reliable and mature global player, in contrast to Trump’s often erratic approach.

The concept of interconnectedness, or dependent origination, highlights that all nations remain interdependent. Trump’s “America First” ideology continues to disregard the fact that economic and political systems are deeply intertwined. Canada’s ongoing response, rooted in cooperation with other nations, reinforces the idea that isolationism and aggression are not sustainable strategies in an interconnected world. By strengthening alliances with the European Union, Asia, and other partners, Canada continues to demonstrate that resilience comes from recognizing and embracing global interdependence.

Ultimately, a Buddhist response to Trump’s bullying tactics continues to emphasize wisdom, patience, and principled action. Rather than retaliating with anger, Canada continues to benefit from responding with composure and long-term strategy. By practicing compassion, mindfulness, and non-attachment, the country avoids being dragged into unnecessary conflict. Compassion allows for an understanding of the motivations behind aggressive behavior, while right speech and right action ensure that responses remain measured and constructive. Forgiveness frees Canada from lingering resentment, and equanimity maintains stability in uncertain times. Recognizing interconnectedness reinforces the importance of cooperation over division.

By embodying these principles, Canada continues to navigate the challenges of Trump’s lasting influence without compromising its values. This approach not only protects the nation’s immediate interests but also strengthens its global standing as a principled and steady force in international relations. The lesson from a Buddhist perspective is clear: when faced with aggression, respond not with anger or submission, but with wisdom, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to principled action.