06/02/2020
Morning Robert - from Cape Breton
From Bhikkshuni Pema Chödrön-
We hear again and again about systemic police brutality against African-Americans and we see it played out year after year. Now this brutality is playing out again, with the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis. Many people are asking if there will be justice, if the officer will be convicted, if we are at a turning point? Despite the overwhelming evidence of guilt, I dread the very real possibility that there will be no accountability or justice for the murder of George Floyd. Again, the police officers will be acquitted. Again, the senseless killing of an African-American will have no consequences.
In this uncertain atmosphere I would like to invite any of you who feel inclined to join me and the monastics of Gampo Abbey in a prayer vigil on Friday, June 5th from 1-1:30 EST, for George Floyd, for his family, and for the countless African-Americans who have been, and continue to be the recipients of police brutality.
My personal intention during this vigil will be to meditate for justice for George Floyd and all those suffering from systemic racism. May George Floyd’s death not be in vain and may we always be brave enough to face the ways that this injustice continues to live in us.
I am moved by those members of law enforcement across the United States, as well as those people around the world, who are showing their solidarity with the protestors; and I aspire that this spirit of compassion grow and flourish in the months and years to come.
