I recently participated in a group discussion which focused on what might be a contemplative response to the deep concerns raised by the Black Lives Matter movement. The discussion was led by Geoff O’Keeffe, a long time friend of mine who serves as the Executive Director of Zen Peacemakers International. Zen Peacemakers is an interfaith organization whose mission is to work for peace and justice in our world. The members of Zen Peacemakers practice some form of meditation or contemplative prayer. In addition they are vigilant about noticing where suffering exists in our world and taking action to relieve that suffering.
Geoff taught us about a contemplative process that they follow in Zen Peacemakers. It was developed by the late Zen Buddhist teacher Bernie Glassman. It is called, “Bearing Witness.” I would like to share this three step process with you.
Step One: “Not knowing.” You take a deep look at a situation of human suffering with an attitude of not knowing. You admit that you don’t have the answers. You clear your mind the best you can. You drop any preconceived ideas you might have about the suffering. You embrace the reality of uncertainty and sit with not knowing.
Step Two: “Bearing Witness.” You sit and prayerfully look at the situation of suffering. You look at it deeply with empathy and compassion. You notice the pain without trying to hide it or deny that it exists. You take it in and let the pain and suffering touch your heart.
Step Three: “Action.” After mindfully and prayerfully going through steps one and two, you contemplate what action you are called to take to relieve this situation of suffering. You discern your calling. In step three you follow your conscience and take action to the best of your ability.
I find this contemplative practice to be honest, moving and powerful. I like it because it gives us permission not to have all of the answers or any answers. We become humble learners in need of education. The reality of systemic racism in America and the 400 years of suffering it has inflicted upon black people is a very serious and complicated problem. We have so much to learn. But we cannot look away this time and pretend that we don’t see the suffering. We must admit our complicity. We can bear witness to the suffering, look at it and take it into our hearts. And we can educate ourselves about racism, white privilege, and the many problems associated with them.
As the poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote so powerfully: “Live the questions.” As we live the questions, as we educate ourselves and learn from people of color, we can prayerfully discern our call to action. Sitting by and watching is no longer an option. The time has come to bear witness to this suffering and injustice, and then take action to abolish the terrible pandemic of racism which afflicts our land.
How many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes, ’n’ how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, ’n’ how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.
—Bob Dylan, “Blowin’ in the Wind”, 1962