We a product of our material environment. The structure, shape, and functionality, as well as its implicit meaning – all combine to form an inner reaction. In other words, what we experience through the senses – is reflected within the interior of the mind. If we can live in an exterior we prefer – then the inner reflection and the thoughts and feelings associated with it – will be optimised. The individual inhabiting such an existence will be both outwardly and inwardly primed for maximum satisfaction and happiness (of course, genetic [or inherited medical] issues can – and often do – short-circuit even the most opulent of lifestyles). Within the capitalist West, the way the system works is that the best of everything is reserved for the rich (the wealthy bourgeoisie) and the privileged (the enfeebled aristocracy). For the moderately well-off the standard of external optimisation recedes as a reflection of their reduced income – whilst for the poor – the exterior is at its worst (reflecting the “lack of choice” associated with possessing no disposable income or acquired capital).
I have lived in both rural and urban squalor. The former amounts to nothing more than experiencing deprivation “with grass” – whilst the latter forms deprivation “with concrete”. One has fresh air – the other fresh aggression, and so on. Both are populated by the intellectually deficient and genetically challenged – usually those in actual power and those who think they possess power (through the threat of violence). The Police are programmed to corral the poor and enable the wealthy. The prisons assist this process by removing the worst offenders from public circulation for awhile. Then, if an individual is lucky enough to improve his lot – a better exterior can be acquired, together with all the benefits such a shift in status suggests. Ignorance reduces, civility increases, and worries recede. For the poor and the ordinary, a major worry is money and rent. Landlords do absolutely nothing – and yet earn all the money.
Recently, I spent a week in the Northants countryside. Fresh air, good food, wide open spaces, a garden, things to do, and everybody saying “hello” – and “good morning” – and meaning it! Coming from a London suburb, the general rule of thumb is “silence” – when meeting people you do not know just in case they want to rob or rape you. There is also the ever-present threat of someone you don’t know asking for “money” or “food”, etc, all things that are not allowed within cities. My children are taught to remain well-behaved by the school when meeting others – to be “quiet” so as not to attract the unwanted attention of others. Walking through the picturesque village of Ketton last Saturday (1.8.2025) was interesting, as well-meaning groups of old ladies loudly greeted us like they knew us – all ready to help at a moment’s notice – we were even invited to a Church Service within ten minutes of arriving!
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 