Wednesday August 7, 2019 was a day for vigils in Austin and around the country for those affected by gun violence in Gilroy, El Paso, and Dayton. With this in mind, Appamada’s regularly scheduled Wednesday evening meditation program on metta/loving-kindness became a vigil and an offering for all people affected by gun violence.
“It is good to come together tonight to support one another as we grieve for those who have lost their lives to gun violence. May they be at peace. We also gather to offer loving care to those who are recovering from injuries, as well as the families and friends of those killed or injured. We offer loving care to all those who live in fear because of the color of their skin, their religion, or who they love. The repercussions of gun violence reverberate way beyond those most immediately affected. The people of Gilroy, El Paso, Dayton, and all the other sites of gun violence, grieve. But the people in all the towns and cities in the country grieve with them. The people of the world grieve. We all grieve and we all need loving care. We are here to support one another in these difficult times. When we go forth into our daily lives may our practice, our voices, and our votes help make the world a better and safer place.“
We then, in meditation, offered loving-kindness for the benefit of all people.
May all be safe;
May all bodies be at ease;
May all hearts be open;
May all minds be boundless;
May all beings awaken together.
The strength and support of being part of a world community was palpable.