Buddhist Interdependence in MLK’s Iconic ‘Letter from a Birmingham Jail’

Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most well know human rights activists in American History. While he wasn’t a Buddhist many Buddhist beliefs and principles can be found in his writings and speeches. King’s rhetoric was strongly influenced by nonviolence and compassion. One of his most famous works is “Letter from Birmingham Jail” which can be read in full here. The letter was written in response to an open letter published in The Birmingham [Alabama] News where King was referred to as an “outsider”. In his response King touches on the Buddhist principle of interdependence to make a case for racial equality in the United States and the right to protest.

Why Did King Write ‘Letter from a Birmingham Jail’?

King wrote ‘Letter from a Birmingham Jail’ on April 16, 1963. King was arrested and imprisoned four days earlier on April 12th for leading a peaceful march in response to an injunction that banned anti-segregation protests in Birmingham, Alabama. While he was imprisoned a group of eight white Alabama clergymen criticized King and his methods of protest in an open letter titled ‘A Call for Unity’. The clergymen agreed that social injustice existed, but also believed that the fight should take place only in the courtroom, not in the public streets. In their letter the clergy men state:

However, we are now confronted by a series of demonstrations by some of our Negro citizens, directed
and led in part by outsiders. We recognize the natural impatience of people who feel that their hopes are
slow in being realized. But we are convinced that these demonstrations are unwise and untimely.

A Call for Unity

The letter by the clergymen and use of the term ‘outsider’ provoked King into writing a response. Although he may not have been aware of it, King drew upon the Buddhist concept of interdependence to demonstrate why it was so important for he and his allies to publicly protest in Birmingham.

“I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

What is the Buddhist concept of Interdependence?

In Buddhism Interdependence is the idea that all things are interconnected and arise in dependence on other factors. The term “dependent arising” is sometimes used interchangeably. Some scholars and Buddhists make a distinction. These schollars claim “Dependent arising” refers specifically to the Buddhist concept that everything arises in dependence on specific conditions and causes. Meanwhile, “interdependence” emphasizes the broader idea that all things are interconnected and rely on each other for existence. The highest level view of the subject essentially states that nothing exists in isolation.

Linking Interdependence to ‘Letter from a Birmingham Jail’

Doctor King’s words are very straightforward and to the point. He cannot sit by idly in Georgia while other African Americans are suffering in Alabama. Despite being a devout Baptist, King understood that equality for Black Americans was not an isolated issue. Buddhist Interdependence played a part. Civil rights were dependent on all African Americans being granted the right to protest and stand up for their rights everywhere. All Black Americans were interconnected on this issue. Dependent arising was necessary for true freedom to be achieved. If Black Americans were prohibited from protesting in Alabama Black Americans all across the country could not be truly free.

Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial “outside agitator” idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds.

Martin Luther King Jr.

King clearly took issue with being called an outsider. In his mind all African Americans and supporters of Civil Rights for African Americans were connected on the issue. There was an inherent unity. In King’s mind he could not be an “outsider” to an issue that directly and indirectly impacted himself. If Black people in Alabama were discriminated against Black people all across the country were simultaneously discriminated against. In order for equality to be achieved at a national level dependent arising had to occur. Freedom at a national level could only occur if that freedom was guaranteed for all people in all states, cities and towns.