Poverty and the New Pope

This is another non-Buddhist Thought this time by Abdal Hakim Murad who is a British Sufi Muslim researcher, writer and teacher. He talks here of the choice of a new pope and of World poverty and the growing wealth of the privileged minority, he also mentions the Buddha!



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Cardinal Keith O'Brien's Resignation

This forceful and moving piece is by the Rev Dr Giles Fraser, the ex-canon chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral, who resigned, citing concerns that to evict the the Occupy London protest camp protesters would lead to "violence in the name of the Church". Here he examines the news that Cardinal Keith O'Brien is to step down with immediate effect after three priests and a former priest made complaints to the Vatican.



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Bradley Manning & Wise Speech

"Imagine you are Bradley Manning in 2009: a low-ranking US intelligence officer stationed in Iraq with access to vast amounts of diplomatic and military data." Vishvapani examines how the Buddhist precept of Wise Speech warns us against allowing self interest and moral outrage to over-ride what is the truly skilful response to the moral dilemmas that life throws at us.



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Compassion

This piece is by Bishop Tom Butler who describes how quite early in his ministry he served for five years as a priest in Zambia in Central Africa and encountered some of the first cases of HIV AIDS. He talks of the essential need for compassion within the NHS. The Dalai Lama, when asked what Buddhism meant to him, what was his religion, replied..... Compassion!



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Wise Speech

Here the Rev Rob Marshall talks about gagging orders and whistle blowing. He feels that it’s been a helpful debate because that crucial dilemma at work or at home – whether to say something or not – is always a tough call. This of course ties straight in to the Buddhist concept of wise speech.




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Richard the third's Skeleton and the Buddha

Vishvapani reflects on the discovery of Richard the third's skeleton and our understanding of the past.



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Advertising and Attachment

Advertising, attachment and wise attention.



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