The horrific attacks at the movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado by a psychotic post-grad student and the most recent one yesterday at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin by a White supremacist army veteran (local Sikh's fear it is another case of misdirected hate) seem to have a common thread; while the patrons of the movie theatre were there to temporarily suspend disbelief, the devotees in the temple were there to express or strengthen their belief. In both cases their mindset rendered them vulnerable to the sudden shock of a brutal attack.
Let me be clear, the victims were in no way responsible for what happened in either of these incidents - the perpetrators bear full responsibility. However psychos and terrorists are taking note of the 'success' of these attacks and so the danger of further attacks is very real. Knowing this, there are some things we can do to improve our security.
I recall reading in the Ramayana about Sri Rama and Sri Lakshmana negotiating through a strange patch of wilderness with Sita Devi. Their arrows were fitted to their bows and they were ready for any eventuality - they were in a state of heightened awareness. Sita Devi did not have to think about her safety, she depended upon the greatest protectors in the world; she could enjoy the beautiful sights of the forest.
If we want to relax and enjoy our life then we have to have employ highly trained and armed professionals to stay in a heightened state of awareness on our behalf. If we don't have that then we have a duty to train and arm ourselves and maintain that state of awareness for the sake of our family and community. This is my opinion and I welcome all feedback.
Hari Aum
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