Mepkin Abbey Inaugurates Meditation Garden Honoring Enslaved Individuals
A poignant moment was captured at Mepkin Abbey with the inauguration of a meditation garden. This sacred space is dedicated to honoring the enslaved individuals who once lived and worked on the property, marking a significant step towards truth-telling and reconciliation.
A Garden for Truth and Healing
Inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa [01:59], the garden serves as a powerful symbol. It acknowledges the painful history of enslavement and seeks to foster healing and compassion [00:33]. The garden’s design incorporates elements like the lemniscate path and the tabula rasa, representing eternity, infinity, and the often-unacknowledged contributions of enslaved Africans [17:18]. The importance of thoughtful reflection and meditation is central to the garden’s purpose [14:16].
Remembering the Past
The garden is located on the former Laurens Plantation, a site where enslaved Africans labored [09:03]. It’s notable that John Laurens, who once resided there, later joined the revolution and advocated for the freedom of the enslaved [09:39]. This historical context adds depth to the garden’s significance.
A Call to Action
Visitors to the garden are invited to engage with the truth of history, recognize institutional inequality, and actively participate in the work of reconciliation [10:02]. The space calls for a fundamental shift in thinking and living, emphasizing love and our shared humanity [08:38].
Blessings and Unity
The video captures the blessings of the garden, the statue “Thy Father’s Hand,” and the graves of those buried there [21:39], [23:57], [28:27]. It honors the lives and contributions of the enslaved people, acknowledging their integral role in shaping American history [26:32]. Speakers in the video reflect on the importance of acknowledging the past, seeking reconciliation, and promoting unity [43:45], highlighting the need for compassion, forgiveness, and a recognition of our shared humanity [50:50].
