Norway: A surprising reaction

A tragedy happened in Norway few days ago when a 32 year old Norwegian put a bomb in front of the government in Oslo that killed 7 people and then went to a small island 30 km from Oslo and killed around 70 young people gathered for a camp. This kind of attacks happen all around the world but somehow it's stronger when you have friends in a place that has been attacked in this kind of way.

I don't want to go through the reasons why that guy did the attack but say something about what really surprised me and that was the reaction of the norwegian people. Watching CNN just an hour or two after the attack and hearing the mayor of Oslo talking about how people should stay together, don't panic and surround themselves with good friends was really something different, a tone in his voice which was rather calm and sober.

And yesterday 150.000 people gathered in Oslo for the rose ceremony to mourn and grieve the death of the people that were killed in the attacks. Everyone held flowers sending the message that Norway will continue to be a free and open country, believing in democracy and refusing to react with hate. I don't know about you but I find that surprising.

This is what a german newspaper said: "Even in their deepest sorrow the Norwegians don't get hysterical. They resist the hate. It is amazing to see how politicians and the whole country reacts. They are sad to the deepest thread of their souls. They cry in...dignity. But nobody swears to take revenge. Instead they want even more humanity and democracy. That is one of the most remarkable strengths of that little country".

And there is just one more thing that came to my mind after the attacks. There is no perfect country on earth. No country where you earn a lot of money, live a peaceful life and enjoy perfect safety.

Amy Winehouse: A Star and a Victim

Amy Winehouse was found dead yesterday. Probably from overdose and that doesn't come as a surprise to anyone. About her talent, her exquisite voice, her great songs there is no need to talk. The word that best describes all this is, "Sad".

Everyone is responsible for their behavior and choices and she had hers. She didn't drink or take drugs cause someone forced her to do that, that's clear. She wanted to sing and as she said she didn't ask to be famous. But when you are famous, when people like you and when you make lots of money from it, you kind of get hooked to it.

I remember thinking many times about her situation and feeling sorry for her. Sorry because she was a victim. Victim of the music industry, of the age of consumerism, where music can't be enjoyed simply for what it is but must be connected to money, profit, contracts, touring...How can you not feel sorry when she comes out on the stage and can hardly stand on her feet but the band is playing, she must sing, "the show must go on", as Freddie Mercury sang. Why nobody in the band and the people around her said "we are not going to continue to do this until you fix yourself?"

People would go to someones concerts to get what they want (enjoyment, high) and would not give a damn for the musician as a person. That's what we are like. And that's sad also.

Seeds of the future

Reading "Jesus and the nonviolent revolution" by Andre Trocme, I was really amazed by this short paragraph that explains the essence of Jesus' mission in a beautiful way.

"Jesus overcomes the world not by condemning it, but by saving it. He does not offer us an abstract kingdom of ideas, but redemptive actions of healing and liberation. Jesus came from God and returned to God, but only after having planted the seeds of the future: the kingdom on this earth. And Jesus the Messiah will return, because his final aim is to save the entire cosmos. There will be redemption, not just for individuals, but for the whole world. His kingdom will come fully to the earth, just as it is in heaven".

Не можеш да ја украдеш месечината

Рјокан, зенистички учител, живеел наједноставен живот во мала колиба на подножјето на планината. Една вечер во колибата влегол еден крадец, само за да се увери дека во неа нема ништо што би можело да се украде.

Рјокан се вратил и го фатил на дело. "Сигурно долго си патувал за да дојдеш кај мене", му рекол на својот непоканет гостин, "затоа не би било добро да си заминеш со празни раце. Те молам, дозволи ми барем да ти ги подарам своите алишта".

Крадецот се зачудил. Ги зграпчил алиштата и избегал.

Рјокан седел гол гледајќи ја месечината. "Кутриот човек", помислил во себе, "о, да можев, ќе му ја подарев оваа прекрасна месечина".

(Преземено од "101 зен приказна")