Continuing to offer this space for group meditation, for peace and justice, in Gaza, in Palestine, in Israel.

This group meditation is a showing-up different from the usual rally or protest of bullhorns and placards. It is intended to be a space where instead of loudness, we will endeavor to transform whatever anger, frustration, agitation we may have into a formidable quiet presence (the mountain!) that directs our practice both outwardly and inwardly.

While our Buddhist communities grapple with how to respond with the violence that continues to unfold in the Middle East, we at BAC are ourselves in a state of dissonance and resonance.  We want to be honest about that.  That we do not all agree on how to respond, on words and definitions.  We do agree that our practice as Engaged Buddhists dictates that we respond, that we show up.  We cannot wait until an absolute, total agreement is in place to show up.  We hope and trust that taking action together, practicing together will slowly, meaningfully bring in more understanding and resonance.

We will sit and do walking meditation in the midst of all this.  We will recite Metta prayer.  We will meet one another wherever we're at.

Please join us, rain or shine...

These monthly group meditations in the streets have been invaluable for many of us.  They've been a source of strength, a refuge, a place to grieve, an opportunity to connect with fellow activists and practitioners, a space to re-gather practice and courage for the long-haul work for peace and justice.

Deep bows and gratitude to all, for your practice, for your presence, for not looking away from the horrors that continue to unfold in the Middle East, and for continuing to show up however and wherever you can.

May our collective practice plant the seeds of the causes and conditions for peace.  May our practice continuously till this field, so that the harvest is of non-separation and of the truth of interbeing.

Rain or shine, please join us on Sunday, 21 April 2024, 1-2PM US ET, Union Square Park (north), Manhattan, NYC.  We will meet on 17th Street, directly across from Barnes & Noble.  Please check our X/Twitter or Facebook for alerts. If possible, please come in your practice attire and bring a cushion and/or something to sit on.  For those outside NYC, please form your own gathering, practice with us, and let us know, buddhistactionny@gmail.com.