June 16, 2020

To our beloved community,

We grieve the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery which were extremely disturbing. They are only the latest victims in a long line of deaths of African Americans at the hands of police or racist whites; and there are many more whose deaths have not been publicized. These three incidents shine a clear light on the prejudice and danger that our Black Communities are forced to face on a daily basis. For hundreds of years Black Americans have been made to live as second class citizens and denied full participation in American society. For many of us, it’s hard to fathom the pain that they go through on a daily basis.

The Buddha taught that just as the sun shines on all beings without discrimination, so should we shine our loving kindness and compassion on all without any exceptions or qualifications. The Buddha also taught that we should always equip our compassion with wisdom. To develop wisdom, we must train our mind to see through our own concealed biases, hatred, and fear. Being able to see them clearly enables us to take responsible actions to amend them.

The way forward must be guided by loving kindness towards all.  Life is precious.  Black lives matter.

Our condolences go to the families and friends of all who have lost a loved one to racist violence, including the family of Antwon Rose who lived less than a mile from our center. This violence impacts us all and needs to end. We grieve and stand with you all in this struggle for equality and dignity.

We strive to work together with all our might towards the goals that all beings live in peace and happiness, that all be free from suffering.

With loving kindness,
TRTCC Board