Joanna Macy (1929–2025) was a pioneering voice in bringing Buddhist wisdom into dialogue with the urgent challenges of our time—environmental crisis, social injustice, and the need for collective awakening. Rooted in the Buddhist teaching of dependent arising and inspired by systems theory and deep ecology, she helped shape what is now known as “engaged Buddhism.”
In this conversation, Stephanie Kaza—ecodharma teacher, environmentalist, and close collaborator of Joanna Macy—and William Edelglass—BCBS Director of Studies and scholar of Buddhism and environmental humanities—reflect on Macy’s remarkable life and legacy. Together, they explore her contributions as a teacher, activist, and thinker, highlighting her vision of a world sustained by compassion, interconnection, and courageous presence.
The discussion traces key ideas from her work, including the “Work That Reconnects,” and celebrates her lasting influence on Buddhist practice and contemporary ecological thought.
