DIEGO’s REPONSE:
Hello Liliana, and thanks for the time you have recently spent in this blog reviewing older content. Yes, we are the masters of our destiny by the choices we make every moment of our lives. And the law of Karma says that every action has a consequence.

In your comment you ask about my country and its’ culture. With regards ti the aspect you enquiry about, It is not that different than your country or culture. For the record, I was born in Colombia, South America; and now live in Sydney, Australia. Like any other country, we have social rules (as well as criminal law) that stipulate what is acceptable and what is not; and have several degrees of ‘punishment’ for misconduct. Like you, I believe some sort of punishment is in order for those 3 men. Unlike you, I do not believe that violence is the answer. If I was a judge hearing this case, I would sentence them to pay monetary retribution to the old trishaw worker, in an amount that is significant enough to hurt their pocket – and their pride. I would also sentence them to community service, ideally pulling this man’s trishaw for a period of several weeks, with a warning that were they to ignore the mandate, they would end up in jail for contempt of court.

You also asked me if I have said things I regret having said in a ‘fit of anger’. Of course I have!! Like you, I am only human. Now, I want you to reflect: Do you regret what you said? Or do you simply think it is ok to have said them because you never intended to carry them out? If the former, I’m ok with it. If the latter, then I would have to sustain my belief that your understanding of Karma is somehow shallow. Read the words of Buddha transcribed in my post: So watch the thought and its ways with care, and let it spring from love borne out of concern for all beings… . Saying it is ok to think violent acts because you don’t plan to carry them out is not good enough when it comes to Karma; The mere act of thinking them will have an effect on your own Karma.

Lastly, you say that your words are ok because you would of course not influence others; and you can not be held responsible for their actions. You said I don’t think my words are certainly that impactful (sic). Any reader would be sensible enough to know that these were written because I’m mad at the occurence (sic) of the incident. Yet two paragraphs below, you reiterate that you hope you are ‘lucky’ enough to bump into these men, you will “give them a good dressing down!”. I am a bit confused: Do you think you will, or will not act in a violent way if you were to run into them?

You are right at the end of your comment that a blog is “simply” a place where people express their views; and that you can ‘rant & rave’ without ever having the intention of carrying out any threats. Of course the words you commit to posterity are not a contract, nor legally binding. But beware: They do have legal connotations. If you were to run into these men; and attacked them; and they reported the attack with the police; your previously ‘penned words’ could be used as proof of premeditation, which will make your transgression more grave in the eyes of a judge.

There is a much more important reason, however, to watch what you write. According to the Law of cause and effect (or Karma), your very thoughts, and your very words, will have an effect. And just like the flap of a butterfly’s wings can cause a fierce storm many miles away; your simple words in a blog could have devastating consequences. You just never know.

Good luck in your journey through life; and thanks for replying to my original post. By the way, I liked your blog’s subtitle “My life through rose tinted glasses”. A beautiful image to use for your writings.

When somebody does something very wrong, i believe that he needs to be punished in a way. Perhaps that particular sentence in my entry has led you to misunderstand that I have a vague understanding of karma.

May I ask you, do you in a fit of anger (a situation that literally makes your heart boils), say things or shout nasty words BUT you know deep down you don’t actually really have the intention to do it. You are angry, you just feel that something really have to be done.

I’m sure you will agree with me that these 3 men are actually “reaping what they sow” now as news were splattered all over the media, even reported on UK news I believe. They are now known for their acts. This is considered a form of punishment as pple came to know of them and criticised their actions, against of their immaturity and disrespect towards an elderly person.

“take a good look at those bastards and remember their faces. Ever see them around when you travel, don’t hesitate to give them good punches in their faces and kick their crotches between their legs.” – my this specific sentence actually emphasized and expresses the anger in me, THAT they should receive the punishment they deserve. Do I literally encourage pple to really go thrash them?? I don’t think my words are certainly that impactful. Any reader would be sensible enough to know that these were written because I’m mad at the occurence of the incident. Every one does penned down their inner feelings. When people tell you to “Go to hell!”, do you literally go to hell??? No.

But I can honestly tell you if i ever recognize them (you don’t go round punchin wrong pple in their faces, any sane person knows that), I will not hesitate to give them a good dressing down! (if I’m “lucky” enough to be able to bump into them) Because o date, do you know that in one of the news reported that they were interviewed – they know they were overboard with their actions, but they still refused to admit they were wrong.

I hope you could have a better understanding now. I appreciate ur heart felt comments towards the horrid episode.

Much to what I’ve said, a blog is a blog where pple penned their views down just like you did. You don’t have to really mean to execute what you penned down. it’s not a contract or whatsoever. you are free to write in your virtual world.

Thank you.