Right Action in the Face of Suffering

In Buddhism, we talk a lot about taking refuge. We take refuge in the Buddha, the enlightened teacher; in the dharma, the teachings; and in the sangha, our community of practitioners. But in times like these, it may feel wrong to take refuge, if it means taking refuge away from the suffering in the world. After the killing of George Floyd, I was asked by a reporter whether meditation at a time like that was immoral. It can feel that way -- like hiding or turning away -- but I said I believed that meditation is the opposite. It is the practice of not turning away -- of paying complete attention and facing whatever is happening in this moment.