SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR)

In the 1980s, following the transition away from hard-line Marxist-Leninism (termed “opening-Up” in modern China discourse) – there was something referred to as the “Qigong Craze” which saw people perpetuating all types of practices and making all kinds of outrageous claims. One claim stated that if children and adults held a particular stance for a few minutes a day – they would lose weight without having to alter their dietry habits (an unscientific position). This loosening-up of ideological control led to the resurgence of all types of feudal ignorance – which the CPC has been re-educating out of the system ever since. This probably fits-in with Deng Xiaoping’s idea that it does not matter what colour the cat is – providing it catches the mouse. Of course, Deng was purged a few times by Mao Zedong before he finally rose to power – and I am sure the mouse would care profoundly about being caught by the cat (but would agree that the colour of the cat is superfluous if you happen to be an anxious mouse). The problem with commerce (advertising) is that it allows for exploitation if the system is not tightly controlled. The more outrageous the claim – the more attention the product attracts (attention equals sales). In the so-called “free market” (a market “free” of responsibility to the systemic well-being of its citizens) the market decides its own level moderated by law (such as in the capitalist countries). The CPC encourages commerce on the one-hand – whilst firmly regulates it on the other – it is the latter aspect which differs from the capitalist system as profit is redirected (continuously redistributed) back into the Socialist State. Wanting to make more profit than is required is the risk inherent in all commerce. Personal gain, if beyond a modest amount, runs the risk of corruption in China – although some people have become rich and remained firmly within the law.