Diggin' the Dharma Engaging in Compassion: A Chat with Ben Connelly of the Minnesota Zen Center
Feb 8, 2026
Ben Connelly, guiding teacher at the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center and Soto Zen priest, discusses faith-rooted organizing and frontline presence in Minneapolis. He recounts mutual aid, rapid interfaith mobilizing, and clergy street actions. He reflects on singing, somatic healing, working with anger, and how Flower Garland teachings shape engaged practice.
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Hidden Tactics Of State Violence
- Ben Connelly describes ICE tactics like ramming cars, pulling people out, and leaving within minutes as common occurrences.
- He emphasizes that much brutality happens under secrecy rather than visible riots.
Rapid-Fire Faith Mobilization
- Ben recounts organizing a national faith-leader mobilization with only eight days' notice that drew 650 participants.
- The event included witness training and direct street actions the following Friday.
Clergy On Cold Street Patrol
- Ben led 50 clergy to do 'ICE patrol' on Lake Street in 10°F conditions and they witnessed harassment within 40 minutes.
- Many participants came from much warmer climates and suffered from the cold.
