We have all been shocked by the street violence in London and other major cities over the past couple of days. Groups of youths looting and setting fire to shops, cars and houses for the ‘fun’ of it. It’s disgraceful and one has to feel sympathy for the owners and the police who are having to deal with it. But let us, for one minute, see things from the youths point of view.
Many, if not all of them, come from deprived backgrounds, maybe going back several generations, and they realistically have no hope of any improvement. They see these premises as easy targets, owned by rich people or companies, in their eyes, and are using them as the target of their frustration and anger. Whilst not condoning any of their actions, it is all too easy to take the blinkered view and blame it all on mindless individuals.
These people are going through the same recession we all face every day. Many have no work, no money and more importantly, no hope. Who can really blame them for lashing out? I hope sense prevails, that the police take back control of the streets, and that the innocent victims are fully recompensed for their losses. But I also hope that our politicians see the wider picture, and make more of an effort to support the youth of this country. If nothing is done we should not be surprised if incidents like this become commonplace.
So our little man is finally home. Fantastic news from every point of view, and cause for understandable jubilation in the Savage and Blake households.
It’s been a really super Sunday. It started with an hour’s Gongyo, followed by a half hour chat to a very good friend and it just got better and better.
What would you say if I told you that I have come to believe that my own practice, practiced in my own way, gives me courage, wisdom and compassion. That I believe that we must all follow our own path and that being lead, or listening too intently to others can confuse and distract us.
Do you ever find yourself getting into a state over a situation that is mainly in your own head? If your world is not anchored by your faith and is dependant on factors outside your control, your imagination can run riot. Our Fundamental Darkness, or My Evil Friend, is a devious character and will use everything tot get it’s way. Your imagination is one of it’s most powerful weapons.
I’m having a lot of trouble getting onto t’internet at the moment.
There is a saying that the earth upon which we fall is the same ground which enables us to push ourselves back up again. There is another which maintains that barley grows better after it has been trampled on.
Determined people of conviction, who stand alone, who pursue their chosen path. Not only are such people good and trustworthy friends themselves, but will also make genuine friends of others.
Having my mate back in the office today was great, he’s been away looking after his wife and his new baby and we’ve missed him.
It’s been a weekend filled with interaction, just simple conversations with a number of people I never met before, just because they, and I, were in the right place at the right time.
The Search For Enlightenment 
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