The Role And Teachings Of The Dalai Lama Philosophy Essay

The Role And Teachings Of The Dalai genus Lama Philosophy EssayIt is up to each of us to devote the best use of our time to help create a happier ball1. The mark of the 21st century embraced upon a civilization corrupted with greed for power. It originated a family that talks, walks, and breathes desire for power, and to strain this desire it exit go to any cost. It does non c be how many innocent heap die or how many people proceed homeless, all it cargons about is being on top and surviving. Violence is in every corner, in every street, in every block, and pretty lots in every country. To live, people argon willing to sweep away their neighbours, more or less their own blood. Violence has engulfed all of what is in existence today. It has move a source of power, a source of desire, mankinds aspiration. Although, majority of mankind may be corrupted, on that point still lie those who believe and have faith in amity. A belief that unmatchable day this hunger for power wil l lie behind us and the future will dictate peace and conduct a place of altruism (unselfishness). Amongst these believers of bank is His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso. Tenzin Gyatso is ane who seeks to find peace even in the darkest of days. Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th Dalai Lama and a symbol for future hope for both Buddhism and his nation, Tibet. He is recognized as the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, a Buddha who has chosen to be reborn in order to enlighten others. The Dalai Lama embraces a attested model of life a model through reason and selflessness and not through force a model which is neither harmful not hostile to humanity. The Dalai Lama governs without resorting to any means of punishment he wields weapons against no one(a), ruling honourably and serenely with no crime. The Dalai Lama p exites to cultivate blessings, and metta (kindness) for all beings. An in depth analysis of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, and his philosophies illustrate the through non militar y group one can chance upon familiar peace.Tenzin Gyatso, more formally recognized as the Dalai Lama, is the spectral Buddhist leader of the country Tibet. He is the 14th manifestation of the Bodhisattva of compassion,Avalokiteshvara. To Tibetans, this Dalai Lama is known by his title, Dalai subject matter ocean, andKlein, Leslie. Sprituality in a Materialistic World. AuthorHouse, 2008.Lama meaning Wisdom2. To himself, he is Tenzin Gyatso, a simple Buddhist monk- no more no less3. His holiness was born on July 6th 1935 in a small colonization Takster to a peasant farm family of sixteen. Takster is a vill get along with in the eastern Tibet province Amdo. At the mount up of 2, Tenzin Gyatso was identified as the reincarnation of his precursor, the 13th dalai Lama, befitting the 14th in line of the Dalai Lamas. Born as Lhamo Dhondrub, he was renamed rJe btsun jam dpal ngag dbang blo bzang ye shes bstan dzin rgya mtsho srid gsum dbang bsgyur mtshungs pa med paI sde bzang po4. Th e tulkus (reincarnated lamas) coronation ceremony occurred on February 22, 1940 in Tibets capital, Lhasa. His education began at the age of six. At the age of 15, on 17 November 1950, he was crowned the title of Dalai Lama, becoming Tibets most important flavourual and political leader. At the age of 24, he was evaluated at the monastic universities of Drepung, Sera and Ganden. In Monlam Festival Prayer, Tenzin Gyatso took his final assessment at Jokhang where he was examined on the 3 subjects logic, Middle Path, and the canon of monastic discipline. At the age of 25 he finished the Geshe Lharampa Degree, the Doctorate of Buddhist Philosophy. In 1989, the Dalai Lama received the Noble peace prize2.To deduce Dalai Lamas preaching of non frenzy, first one must comprehend non- violence. Non-violence is one of the highest virtues that should be accepted by everyone, no matter if they plead to Buddhism or not. Non-violence means to refrain from vicious actions. One should not kill s ome other living being. One should not hurt another living being. One should not pain another living being. One should not ahimsa (harm) another being. This is non-violence.According to the Dalai Lama, violence is not the key, it is not the answer to anything.2 Mullin, Glenn H., and Valerie M. Shepherd. The Fourteen Dalai Lamas a Sacred Legacy of Reincarnation. Santa Fe,NM Clear Light, 20013 Mehrotra, Rajiv. In My take in Words an Introduction to My Teachings and Philosophy. Carlsbad, CA Hay House,2008.4 Mehrotra, Rajiv. Understanding the Dalai Lama. Carlsbad, CA Hay House, 2008.We have two options. First, nonviolent resistance. Second, violence- thats suicide. We have to live with the Chinese side by side. It is very essential to carry this movement of nonviolence, so that later, we can live happily. If we adopt violence on the Chinese, then Tibetans will also suffer. Some positive outcome- quite a few Chinese became sympathetic of Tibetan people. They came to me expressed thems elves. nonviolent resistance is the best method5.Violence cannot be overcome by more violence. By responding to violence, the result will be catastrophic. On the contrary, by avoiding violence one can lonesome(prenominal) hope to diminish others violence. A great example of this is the motherland of the Dalai Lama, Tibet. In 1950, the genocide of Tibet began with the Chinese army of the Peoples Republic. In 1951, the Chinese government tried to take rule over Tibet from the Dalai Lama through the seventeen-point agreement. In 1959, at that place was an uprising against the Chinese military when that failed the Dalai Lama was force to flee to India. In 1959, his Holiness refuted in Dharamsala, North India where he established a government-in-exile2. The Chinese captured and intent naive citizens and protestors, devastating the Tibetan culture. The Dalai Lama did not refute to foul words, he did not speak ill of the Chinese. Instead of fight back, the Dalai Lama preaches that one should meditate and reflect on what they might have done on their previous life that they are being tormented now. He helps people understand that if one responses by causing suffering amongst another, they are not contributing to a unity in their internal world nor to the external world. The lives they live are meaningless if it does not contribute to anything. By causing suffering they cause themselves more suffering, for in their next birth they will reborn into a worsened life. The life one lives is based on the karma, action, of one in the previous life. Thus, rather than devoting oneself to harm the Dalai Lama preaches Tibetans to abstain from armed struggle and accumulate solid karma to achieve inner(a) peace. If everyone adopts and learns the morals of inner peace, no longer will there be people in this world who will cause ahimsa. No longer will there be violence.As a well-known spiritual leader and political ruler, the Dalai Lamas first and foremost5 McLennan, Scotty. The Heart of Nonviolence A Conversation with the Dalai Lama. WisdomPortal.com. Web. 1 Aug. 2010..obligation is to protect his people and nation. The Dalai Lama has never ceased his people from using violence just because of Buddhist morals, but because, nonviolence is for us the only way.Quite patently, in our case violence would be tantamount to suicide 6. Some might think that by not fighting he brings upon torture to his people, but the initial purpose behind the Dalai Lama is to help his people to learn and to develop. By not fighting back he tries to show people that good does not come through war and bloodshed, by refusing to fight in the long run we secure a split future. Right now we must suffer, but the seeds to our suffering will grow a clean planet. The Dalai Lama is an idol to humanity, an advocator of non-violence. Thos who do afflict harm, the enemies, are just a test of time. With time and patience, as one accumulates good karma, the birth of amity will take place, a nd violence will vanquish. The enemy teaches you inner strength. Your mind by nature is very soft, but when you have troubles, your mind gets strong 7. Enemies are the test of time, for when one is surrounded by enemies one has to sterilize important judgements. These judgements define the inner self. If one is able to refrain from violence and overcome satanic thoughts and stay on the right path, one can achieve inner peace. Thus, through the process of non violence one achieves inner peace. When one is at inner peace with themselves in times of battle they make coif decisions and refuse to fight, supremely causing outer peace.The Dalai Lamas believes nonviolence is connected with the free understanding of individuals. The free understanding of individuals is ultimately a path leading to cordial amity. Thus, non violence originates inner peace. His Holiness, the14th Dalai Lama, believes to embark inner peace one must develop metta, (love, kindness and compassion)7. When we are non-violent and refuse to fight we attain metta in our hearts. When there is violence there is anger, hatred,6 Bstan-dzin-rgya-mtsho, and Santideva. A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night a Guide to the Bodhisattvas Way of Life. capital of Massachusetts Shambhala, 1994.7 Piburn, Sidney. The Dalai Lama, a Policy of Kindness an Anthology of Writings by and about the Dalai Lama. Ithaca, N.Y., USA Snow Lion Publications, 1990.and attachment, but when there is no violence one is calm, and serene. With the origins of violence comes desire and greed, eventually leading to mental unrest. When we are kind and compassionate to others it makes others feel loved, and it helps us develop inner happiness. In one of his interviews, the Dalai Lama statesIf you hold back way to anger, hatred, you get lost. No sensible human being wants to loose himself or herself. Hope and determination will bring upon a brighter future So in order to develop human determination you need hope. And to develop hop e you need compassion, love. Love and compassion are the basis of hope and determination8.If one gives into anger and hatred they give in to inner strife. If one refuses to fury and forbids him or herself from fighting they develop love and compassion to bring upon a disclose future. One must first develop compassion and love towards others, and then will they receive love and compassion back. One must realize that slide fastener good comes without suffering. Rather than making others suffer, rather than raising weapons, one should be hopeful and determined. Good karma leads to a good life. When one develops compassion and love one achieves inner peace.Without inner peace we remain longing for desire. The Dalai Lama believes that if everyone achieves calmness, compassion, and love for others eventually one day there would not be a whiz person left that will cause brutality upon another. When everyone has achieved this state of happiness no longer will there be armed conflict, pov erty, destruction, and prejudice.The Dalai Lama is a role model of non-violence, and believes inner peace can only be achieved through non violence. The Chinese have put Dalai Lama and his people through a lot of agony, yet he still prays for their wellness. He believes that rather than drawing upon weapons, if he holds back he will attain peace with the Chinese. That one day they will see that violence only leads to deaths through non-violence they can reach a compromise. Tibetans refuse to fight, they decided to listen to his Holiness, and abstain from harming (ahimsa) another being. Through non-violence and compassion inner happiness and peace will develop, and likewise, through8 Bstan-dzin-rgya-mtsho, and Santideva. For the Benefit of All Beings a Commentary on The Way of the Bodhisattva. Boston Shambhala, 2009inner peace outer peace will develop. Without inner peace one will always remain worried, disturbed or unhappy. The Dalai Lamas preachings about non-violence and metta to achieve inner peace is Tibetans hope and determination for the resolution of the Chinese Genocide. In his Dentsik Monlam prayer the Dalai Lama articulates the violent oppressors are also worthy of compassion/ crazed by demonic emotions, they do vicious deeds/ that bring total defeat to themselves as well as to others9. This prayer was written by the Dalai Lama when he was extremely ill and all around him was bloodshed caused by the Chinese Military. The Dalai Lama wanted his people to realize that liberation can only be achieved non-violently via altruism (unselfishness) and metta (kindness). Altruism and metta can only be achieved via non-violently. Thus through the non violent approach one achieves peace of mind. The Chinese Military will stop if the Tibetans do not respond. Violence can only grow when you nurture to it, by not giving it violence you forbid it from growing.According to his Holiness, the spirit of non-violence is the basis for achieving inner peace. But why should one achieve inner peace? To achieve inner peace is a step to achieving liberation. The first of the 5 Buddhist precepts is the vow to refrain from killing. That one should neither hurt nor harm (ahimsa) another being, but rather practise compassion and kindness (metta) towards them. To reach the ultimate goal of Buddhist path, Nirvana, and break through samsara, the cycle of life, one must be peaceful. To achieve enlightenment and to see things for what they really are, panna, one must reach tranquility of the mind. This calmness of the mind can only be achieved through meditation, and inner peace, not violence. The actions we take affect everyone around us, not just us, so how can you believe to be liberated when you bring harm upon others. Thus, in order to achieve inner peace and deliberate ourselves from suffering, we need to focus on others, and refrain from violent actions.9 Bstan-dzin-rgya-mtsho, Dupchok Gyaltsen. Rabjampa, and Peter Gold. Words of Truth a Prayer. Boston Wis dom Publications, 1993.We can never obtain peace in the world if we neglect the inner world and dont peace with ourselves. World peace must develop out of inner act As long as the weapons are left alone in storage they cannot do any harm. A human being must use them.7.Resolution through conflict does not guarantee a solution every time. Outer disbarment comes from inner disarmament. The only true guarantee of peace lies within ourselves6. In a time of conflict, we become attached to our views and forget that everything is impermanent. Our thoughts become too clouded, and we become too ignorant. When one is no longer ignorant one achieves bodhi, total awakening.Any being who understands inner peace, and subsides in a non violent conduct is evidentially contributing to the universal peace of all beings and the exile of violence. 2.com/title/Non-violenceNon-violence means 2.com/title/co-operationco-operation where it is possible, and 2.com/title/resistanceresistance where it is not10. Through Non violence one is able to control their emotions and stay happy. Through non-violence one is able to love, be compassionate and be metta towards others, as well as live in unity with humanity. Ultimately altruism, self consciousness, and amity through equal justice and fair-play lead to non-violence. Non-violence helps one acknowledge their internal sensation pertaining to greed, desire and hatred, and their outer awareness pertaining to how their internal awareness will affect the world. This awareness is ones inner peace. His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama has become a worldwide symbol for peace, a teacher of non violence, an intensity for billions. According to the Dalai Lama the first inner awareness is that suffering exists and the way to liberate from it is through hope and compassion, not violence. Through non violence we attain inner peace, through violence we attain inner discord. Hence, the 14th Dalai Lama raises no weapons, faces no wars, and pre aches for non violence to achieve inner peace, for hatred never ceases through hatred in this world through non violence it comes to an end10.10 Sulak, Sivaraksa. Seeds of Peace a Buddhist Vision for Renewing Society. Berkeley, CA Parallax, 1992.

Chasing Zero Essay -- Health, Preventable Medical Error

Chasing Zero is a documentary which was meant to both educate the informant on the prevalence of medical checkup harm as well as to enlighten both the public and health c are providers on the preventability of these events (Discovery, 2010). The documentary expounded on the fact each year more people die each year from a preventable medical error than die due to rapper cancer, motor vehicle accidents or AIDS ( work of Medicine, 1999). Medical harm can result from adverse drug events, surgical injuries, wrong-site surgery, suicides, restraint-related injuries, falls, burns, pressure ulcers and mistaken patient identities (Institute of Medicine, 1999). Incidences of medical error have been reported in the media for many years. The most startling revelation in the documentary is how common medical errors are and how preventable they are. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) reported in 1999 that between 44,000 and 98,000 people die each year in the United States due to a preventable m edical error. A report written by the National Quality Forum (NQF) found that over a decade after the IOM report the prevalence of medical errors mud very high (2010). In fact a study done by the Hearst Corporation found that the number of deaths due to medical error and bit surgical infections has increased since the IOM first highlighted the problem and recommended actions to reduce the number of events (Dyess, 2009). The premise of Chasing Zero is to reduce the number of deaths due to healthcare harm to zero. Leading political science on healthcare quality, such as Charles Denham, believe that all of these deaths are preventable and can be eliminated (Discovery, 2010). Dr. Denham along with the Texas Medical Institute of Technology (TMIT) are dedicat... ...vers, clinical and non-clinical leaders of hospitals and international subject matter experts.The Texas Medical Institute of Technology, through programs such as Chasing Zero, is bringing a public voice to the growth o f healthcare harm. The documentary is a stirring example of the quality issues facing the healthcare system. In 2003, the NQF first introduced the 30 Safe Practices for Better Healthcare, which it hoped all hospitals would postulate (National Quality Forum, 2010). Today the list has grown to 34, yet the number of preventable healthcare harm events continues to rise. The lack of standardization and mandates which require the reporting of events contributes to the absence of pregnant improvement. Perhaps through initiatives such as those developed by TMIT and the vivid and arresting patient stories such as Chasing Zero, change will soon be at hand.

degenerate characteristics of dracula :: essays research papers

Degenerate Characters of DraculaIn the raw, Dracula, Bram Stoker puts together a variety of characters with several(prenominal) characteristics that are unique and almostwhat alike in many shipway. One way that some of the characters are similar is that they show signs of being a firm. A degenerate is a person who has sunk downstairs a former or normal condition and lost normal or higher qualities. These muckle most likely have mentally and sometimes physically become deteriorated to the point where they no longer can think and function as a normal person would. Two characters in the novel that stand out as degenerates are Dracula and Renfield. Both are degenerates in their own ways and also have characteristics that are in some ways the same. They follow most of the traits that degenerates contain and portray it throughout the novel.The best way to imagine a degenerate person would be to think of citizenry on death roe in prison. The whizzs that arent remorseful for what th ey did, and could care less about what others think. They do not know what is right from wrong, and even if one tried to explain it to them, they couldnt figure it out. Degenerates have no common sense, let alone a functioning brain. They are most definitely deficient a few screws in there heads. These two characters of Dracula and Renfield both have a component part of these traits that degenerates consist of.Dracula most definitely contains degenerate characteristics throughout the novel. He has a lack of compassion for peoples well being, and has signs of selfishness. Vampires fit nether the degenerate theme very well. How he became a vampire we are not sure, although Van Helsing calls him King-Vampire, because of his consistency and power driven obsessions towards his cravings. His powers include a unspecific range of abilities in which some are beyond the powers of the other vampires or immortal people in the novel. Degenerates are predestined to crime and dont know why it i s wrong. Van Helsing wrote of Dracula by saying, "The Count is a criminal and of criminal type. Nordau and Lombroso would so classify him, and qua criminal he is of imperfectly make mind" (Stoker chapter 28). With all his killings and bites he proceeds on people, Dracula fights the degenerate theme.Renfield as well has qualities and characteristics of degenerates throughout the novel. Renfield was taken under the care of Dr.degenerate characteristics of genus Dracula essays research papers Degenerate Characters of DraculaIn the novel, Dracula, Bram Stoker puts together a variety of characters with several characteristics that are unique and somewhat alike in many ways. One way that some of the characters are similar is that they show signs of being a degenerate. A degenerate is a person who has sunk below a former or normal condition and lost normal or higher qualities. These people most likely have mentally and sometimes physically become deteriorated to the point where they no longer can think and function as a normal person would. Two characters in the novel that stand out as degenerates are Dracula and Renfield. Both are degenerates in their own ways and also have characteristics that are in some ways the same. They follow most of the traits that degenerates contain and portray it throughout the novel.The best way to imagine a degenerate person would be to think of people on death roe in prison. The ones that arent remorseful for what they did, and could care less about what others think. They do not know what is right from wrong, and even if one tried to explain it to them, they couldnt figure it out. Degenerates have no common sense, let alone a functioning brain. They are most definitely missing a few screws in there heads. These two characters of Dracula and Renfield both have a lot of these traits that degenerates consist of.Dracula most definitely contains degenerate characteristics throughout the novel. He has a lack of compassion for pe oples well being, and has signs of selfishness. Vampires fit under the degenerate theme very well. How he became a vampire we are not sure, although Van Helsing calls him King-Vampire, because of his consistency and power driven obsessions towards his cravings. His powers include a wide range of abilities in which some are beyond the powers of the other vampires or immortal people in the novel. Degenerates are predestined to crime and dont know why it is wrong. Van Helsing wrote of Dracula by saying, "The Count is a criminal and of criminal type. Nordau and Lombroso would so classify him, and qua criminal he is of imperfectly formed mind" (Stoker chapter 28). With all his killings and bites he proceeds on people, Dracula fights the degenerate theme.Renfield as well has qualities and characteristics of degenerates throughout the novel. Renfield was taken under the care of Dr.

Classical Theory Structure Essay -- essays research papers

Classical Theory StructureIntroductionBy way of illustration, in this document we will describe and exempt theclassical morphologic theory as presented by Max Weber. To highlight theadvantages and disadvantages of this classical structure as used in a realistic innovative organization we will apply this theroy as used today in our public policedepartment.Classical Structural TheoryIn the classical structural theory a person is hired for their technicalexpertise rather than on the recommendation of a connection from within thecompany. Generally these people be more inclined to work in very well-definedprocess oriented positions. Employees ar given titles in which the authorityto perform specific duties are vested. Outside of the defined position theemployee has little or no authority.Lines of authority and positions are clearly defined by formallyestablished rules and regulations that help to look into uniformity of operations,and provide for continuity of business as well as ma king responsibility easy toplace. In his 10 points Weber implied that procedures imposed on all who fallwithin their reach are formal and impersonal (Pace & Faules, 1994, p. 30-31).In addition to these procedures, It is suggested that an attitude of disciplineis an integral part of the organization that wants to push efficiency (Pace &Faules, 1994, chapter 3). They are intentionally designed without attention topersonal or emotional considerations to prevent distortion o...

Bell Jar summary :: essays papers

Bell Jar summary Many have paralleled Sylvia Plaths refreshful, The Bell Jar, to her very own life. Plath is known for her tormented life of constant depression and disappointments, causing her to end her life early at the young shape up of 30. The time frame in which the book is in matches the times when she is enlisted in many mental institutes and ultimately her suicide. The story of Esther Greenwood also tells the feelings and emotions of Sylvia Plath. Other characters in the novel are said to be in relation to characters in the authors life.The novel begins where Esther is just about halfway through her job as Mademoiselle, a fashion magazine. She and many other girls received this opportunity because of their exceptional writing abilities. Even though this she had waited for this chance for a year, she is actually disappointed because she had expect more from the other prizewinners. These girls looked awfully bored to me. I saw them on the roof yawning and painting th eir nails and trying to keep their Bermuda tans, and they seemed bored as hell... Girls uniform that make me sick. (Pg. 4) A couple other unfortunate events also led her to be depressed at her stay in the hotel. At a dinner party gathering, Esther ate a lot of crabmeat that happened to be poisoned. She passes out and awakes in her room. Her recovery is slow and agonizing. Another social event causes yet again another(prenominal) mishap. Doreen, Esther best friend there, sets Esther up with a friend of Doreens boyfriend to go to a party. There, the blind date attempts to sexually assault, but Esther resists and walks away with her dignity. later returning to the hotel, Esther takes no care of the assault and just carries on. Later, she finds out that her on and off boyfriend, Buddy Willard, is actually not a virgin. At first I thought he must have slept with the waitress only that once, but when I asked how many times, just to make sure, he said he couldnt remember but a couple of times a week for the rest for the summer. Knowing this, she thought it to be okay if she were to have an affair also. On a date with Constantin, he invites her to his room, but to her dismay, nothing happens.

Life Outside Our Biosphere :: essays research papers

Life Outside Our Biosphere     The fragile balance of the Earths ecosystem is constantly beingdisrupted. Overpopulation is placing heavy strain on the worlds resources. Weare vehement all our fossil fuels to create the energy we need, and clearing ourrainforests to make enough farmland to feed e preciseone. The ozone layer is slowlyeroding, exposing us to harmful UV light. The manner we have on this planet isjust enough to provide for our population now As the population grows, we testamentfind ourselves more and more crowded, with no room left to expand. SolutionTransfer part of the population off the Earth, to colonies established either onother planets or on orbiting space stations. This will lessen strain on theworlds land resources by providing more agricultural area, and will help solveproblems associated with overcrowding.     In our solar system, a few planetic possibilities exist for colonization.Mars, one of our closest neighbor s, was previously a prime choice until it wasexplored more in depth. Scientists have now found it to be a red, rocky, barren lay waste to with little atmosphere, no water, and containing no life. If Earthlingswere to settle on Mars, we would remain totally dependent on the Earthsresources.     Another close planet is Venus, the second from the sun. This "sisterplanet" of Earth proved to have extremely hostile conditions. Scientists werehopeful when they found traces of water vapor in the upper atmosphere, but weredisappointed when concentrations of sulphuric caustic were discovered mixed withthe water. Venus has surface temperatures of around 600 degrees Fahrenheit, andan atmosphere one hundred times as thick as the Earths. (This produces shove equivalent to pressure two miles under water on Earth.) Theseconditions project a less than comfortable life on Venus.     The Moon has held Mans curiosity since we were created, leading to suc hmissions as the Apollos. These space missions have taught us a lot about whatlife on the moon would be like. The moon has little to offer us in the way ofsettlement it has little to no atmosphere, and only one sixth of the gravity ofEarth. Although the moon might not be the best place for colonies to settle, itwould be an excellent source of resources for nearby space stations. (Scientists can extract oxygen from the rocks, and glass, aluminium, and othermetals as well.)Space stations orbiting in the past have been very dependent on theEarths supplies for construction and maintenance. The Soviets have launched abrigade of structures called Salyuts. In fact, one of their cosmonauts haslived in space for more than 235 days They supplied the Salyuts by shuttle

Effects Of Video Gaming :: essays research papers

My heart hammered in my chest as I raced out of the room access just ahead of another explosion. Fragments from the blast sent pinpricks of searing pain shooting through my nervous system and gave me a new spurt of energy. Screaming interchangeable a madman, I sped across the courtyard and then scrambled over a low wall, falling into what I hoped was some sort of temporary refuge. The everlasting string of explosions abated, so I attempted to collect myself and take stock of my situation. My injuries werent all that serious, so I hastily popped a pain pill into my dry mouth and washed it with a refreshing swig of water from my flask. Noting an angle in the wall to my left, I scurried around a small shrub towards the gum elastic of two solid walls at my back and the protective screen of the bush. And I found my salvation there, nestled in the shadows of a recess at the back tooth of the wall. Like a jackal to carrion I pounced and scooped my prize up, then crouched in my obscur e hiding spot. I tensely scanned through the leaves of the bush in presence of me, alert for any hint of movement. My search was almost instantly rewarded, as my pursuer, howling like a banshee, burst through a pair of bigger wooden gates about twenty yards in front of me. I popped up out of my hiding spot, centered the crosshairs of my newly acquired rocket launcher, and squeezed off a shot just as he turned in my direction. I was close enough to see the look of bloodlust on his face turn to pestilent fear in his microsecond recognition of this sudden turn of the tables. The rocket caught him square in the chest, exploded with a satisfying boom, and scattered shards of flesh and gore in all directions. I was safe at last... Right now you might be thinking that I am a covert agent for the CIA, or a bodyguard for a central American drug lord, but with either of those assumptions you would be far off of the correct track. Im merely a subdivision of the already large and still rapi dly growing number of people who regularly play computer video games. Our group is often criticized because of the violent spirit and graphic content of many of the games which are currently popular, however I feel that these criticisms are largely unwarranted.