Ian Gee letter in the North Devon Gazette, November 2023

If the use of a tent by a homeless person is as our Home Secretary says ‘a lifestyle choice’, then perhaps being a Tory MP with little or no compassion might be one as well? The Home Secretary is a member of the Triratna Buddhist Community, and may need a gentle reminder from her fellow Buddhists what the Buddha taught about compassion. Two quotes spring to mind: “Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little.” And “Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.”

Given what the Buddha said, I am left wondering if perhaps hypocrisy itself is yet another lifestyle choice?