The Dream

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, marked by Martin Luther King Jr.s "Dream" speech. Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, King called for an end to racism in the U.S. and described his dream that ALL beings will be equal, safe, happy, and free.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

The traditional metta phrases -- or lovingkindness== resonate with King's dream.

May all beings know happiness and the causes of happiness.

May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.

May all beings never be parted from freedom's true joy.

May all beings dwell in equanimity, free from attachment and aversion.