The Burden of Awareness When we face suffering, we have the choice to focus on the love we see as much as the pain. Last June, 60 percent of respondents in a USA TODAY poll characterized George Floyd’s death as murder. As of March 2, that number has since dropped to 36 percent. The poll also found that 4 percent of respondents in June were unable to describe his death; now, 17 percent are undecided. I did not expect this.... May 5, 2021By Ayesha Ali diversity, SocialJustice, teachings
Every Day is Earth Day As an annual observance, Earth Day has been, for me and perhaps for you, complicated. While I appreciate the intention to turn our collective attention to the health and even spiritual value of Earth, the allocation, one day out of three-hundred and sixty five, cries out with glaring insufficiency. In light of multiple looming ecological crises, the urgent need to reimagine and actively reprioritize humanity’s pursuits requires instead daily practice. Happily, in that imagining, we’re not starting from scratch. As we move forward in an enormously complex situation, there are wisdom traditions that support us in remembering to what and just how much we belong.... April 23, 2021By Kristin Barker SocialJustice, teachings
Dear Beloved Asian American and Pacific Islander Community... As a community rooted in the ancient and living gifts of the Buddhadharma, members of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC stand, sit, and kneel with you in solidarity, compassion, and strength. We deeply acknowledge the long history of anti-Asian racism in this country and the impact it has had over many generations. We strongly condemn the violent acts of hatred... March 23, 2021By IMCW Board announcement, Diversity, SocialJustice
Resources: Racism Against Asian Americans Resources for further reading and action have been linked below. This is by no means a comprehensive list; it is a starting point. March 22, 2021By Editor Diversity, EngagedBuddhism, SocialJustice
Bringing Our Practice into the World Before I became a mindfulness practitioner and later a meditation teacher, I spent more than 20 years as an activist and organizer working for human rights and social justice in the United States, Africa, and Latin America. As a meditation teacher, what inspires me most is to bring our practice into the wider society and help heal the suffering of the world.... January 29, 2021By Hugh Byrne SocialJustice, teachings