This world.

We live in a world filled with the many things that we personally don't like or approve of, from violence and exploitation of people, animals and the planet to simple things like bad manners and low quality television.

However, we have to find our place of balance in all these things that we don't control. We can only be responsible for our own behaviour and not insist that others follow our way. This becomes the ultimate Dhamma Truth, that we are alone in our life and very often feel helpless in an unkind and cruel environment.

So what to do?

First, you can stop completely your association with everything that you do not personally approve of. This is extreme of course and it is unlikely that it will lead you to happiness.

Secondly, you can accept the way of the world and whilst guarding you own integrity, work within it, possibly by your own gentle loving example showing another way to be.

Thirdly, you can reflect upon the story from the Buddha about the monk who wanted to share Dhamma in another part of the country.

“But the people are wild and dangerous there,” said the Buddha, “what if they abuse you?”

“At least I will be grateful that they are not throwing stones at me,” replied the monk.

“But what if they do throw stones at you?” continued the Buddha.

“At least I will be grateful that they are not hitting me with sticks,” replied the monk.

“But what if the do hit you with sticks?” asked the Buddha.

“At least I will be grateful that they are not stabbing me with knives,” said the monk.

“But what if they do stab you with knives?” asked the Buddha.

“At least I will be grateful that they are not killing me,” replied the monk

“But what if they do kill you?” asked the Buddha.

“At least I will be grateful that I have had the opportunity to bring Dhamma to these people.”

Based upon this understanding the Buddha allowed the monk to go to this other part of the country.

Even if I encourage my disciples not to eat meat outside a retreat environment (and actually to be vegan) I cannot be responsible for their actions. For myself, I neither kill nor encourage others to kill. The rest I have to accept with a compassion for all beings, not only the animals that are killed and exploited, but for those unfortunate beings that have not understood 'oneness' yet.

May all beings be happy.