Ah yes . Of course what I have presented so far is rather simplistic. We then get into Skillful means. Of course there must be ways, even rules for boundaries and successful communal living or societal living. The Buddha was very aware of this when it came to the Community of Monks and Nuns. You may remember that in the Lotus Sutra the Buddha uses Skillful means . The story of the father telling his sons about the wonderful chariots outside of the burning house that they should come out to see and play with. . He uses ideas in a compassionate way in order to help people. However ultimately once these ideas or means have been made use of they can be discarded. My understanding of this is that still all ideas or views are temporary and situational. There may not be a time limit on this, but the clinging or grasping is deeper in ones mind. I go back to ideas of 'ultimate' and 'the only way' that some find impossible to hold lightly. Its the holding lightly with all these things which the Buddha suggests can be developed. we seem to have jumped in to the real heart and subtle aspect of Buddhism here. :-)

Can I claim expenses?? I'm having issues with some Ducks !

Hi Indraadnan,

Thank you for the welcome and the question!

I shall preface my reply with 'I am not really sure what the Big Society actually means' as I can't clearly see the thinking and strategy behind it or the process for it to unfold. Undoubtedly some change will occur but will it be the profound change society needs?At the moment I doubt it as it seems to me the Government is doing contradictory things eg the forthcoming economic policy doesn't seem to support achievement of BS as it seems it will throw more people back into poverty and struggle which in my experience causes people to go into fight/ flight mode rather than community et al. 

My personal learnings, from life and the work I do with organisations and individuals, continually show me that what really matters in life is having the means to live a well life with relationships, community and the ability to thrive/ achieve/ be creative/ grow one's spirit.

If the BS can support achievement of that for everyone that I am all for it but I think we need changes in the financial system first. Whilst we still have the paradigm that money and wealth is prime and men (I am not anti-men it's just that their paradigm's tend to be different to most women's) have the power I feel it will be extremely difficult to achieve the BS.

Jenny