Last Sunday’s discussion circled around the issue of Buddhist ethics at the edge of the precepts.  We can all agree about the value of non-violent action, and can see the value of Gandhi’s non-violent teaching of Satyagraha, or truth-force.  But then the question arises as to how much can we rely on these approaches when the potential for destruction has become so magnified through technology? In other words, what does it mean to uphold the precepts in this time of such global, and perhaps irreversible, environmental devastation?  And what does it mean to uphold the precepts in light of the unspeakable violence being inflicted on so many of our sisters and brothers, and on so many children of the world?

These questions generated considerable interest, so it was suggested not only that we continue with it next week (Sunday the 22^nd), but that we create a weblog where others can join in and post any further thoughts or questions.  We are aware that passions can run deep when trying to speak to some of these complex issues; please be sure your postings are well-considered, and stay focused within the bounds of the precepts. (We would not want to create false impressions regarding the spirit of practice at our center.)