Even when Queen Mary attempted to return the Catholic monastic institutions – the ordinary people were not interested. Henry VIII also executed around 70,000 former Serfs – as they could not find employment in this new age of greed and individualism (with the destruction of the monasteries was also the destruction of the Feudal State – removing Serfs who were loyal to Lords who could possibly challenge the King). They were hanged from trees up and down the roadways of England. A Lord used to supply clothing, food, lodgings, and employment free of charge to each peasant living on his land. In return, they worked for free on the land, and fought for the Lord in times of war. If somehow impoverished due to unseen circumstance – the monasteries would provide free food, clothing, medical care, and lodgings. many men could become monks to escape working on the land. All this “certainty” was swept away as England forcibly entered modernity. The point is that social change is often incredibly violent before anything beneficial can come from it. The damage predatory capitalism has inflicted upon the world is immeasurable – and it is ongoing. We are brainwashed to think it is normal and inevitable.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 