Go With the River

There's one thing I dislike about democracy and it's when people create schisms and engage in divisive speech by badmouthing one another. The ruling party does it, so does the opposition. The mudslinging contests make me feel very demoralised when all I'm trying to do is to enforce discipline in my observances of the basic precepts. Singapore is already considered quite good when democratic expressions are concerned. I take a look at Taiwan and they are actively protesting on the streets and casting aspersions over one another, there's so much anger and enmity, I feel bad when I watch Taiwanese news channels.

I'm a voter in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, so the latest political walkover has given me a lot of joy because I hate to vote. I hate having to choose. It's always a headache trying to decide who to support. I still remember when I first moved to the GRC, back then in GE2011 there was a rivalry between Tin Peiling and Nicole Seah, wah the contest was so bloody I had such a horrible headache. Politics are not meant for me. These few days I did the bare minimum expected of me by my pro-incumbent family by showing up at the PAP rallies, after that I quickly hid back to my home office where I spend time listening to Buddhist mantras and chanting and devoting myself to spiritual practice.

It's so good to be hiding in the refuge of the Triple Gem. Tomorrow is the first day of lunar calendar and I look forward to a peaceful day away from the election activities. Vesak Day is around the corner and I'm more excited by Vesak than by who wins what constituency.

I don't want to argue with anyone over politics, but I respect that there is a democratic system in place and I am prepared to put up with what is necessary to ensure a smooth succession of governance. For me, I just wish to go with the flow and be like a river.