What does mindfulness and meditation have to do with social change? There is no doubt that we need to come together to find ways to transform, change and heal our society and our institutions. But how can we change anything if we are not aware of what’s going on? How can we change the world if we do not also change ourselves?

It is no news that there is deep pain and suffering in our society and in our communities. Being part of the minority community and as a first generation immigrant who grew up in New Jersey, recent events have been personally intensely disturbing. But all of us are deeply affected because we are all human beings, first and foremost, and we are designed to live in peace and love with our fellow human beings.

Last week, we started learning a story from the Upakkilesa Sutta. The Buddha walked away from a monastic dwelling when a peaceful togetherness wasn’t possible any longer. He had tried to appease the quarreling parties, but was faced with the response to basically mind his own business.

It’s a very real story, taken seemingly out of our modern life.