Hello everyone,

I recently read The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh. There is a section in the book that really interested me. He writes (I'm paraphrasing) that if we read a book or watch a program with a violent theme, that this can hinder our forward progress on the path. He includes video games in this section as well. This got me thinking. Do outside forces have control over our path? Does what I choose to read, play or watch have that much impact on my progress? Does someone that lives in a more stable nonviolent environment have more of a chance on this path than someone who is surrounded by chaos?

I believe that we all have a level playing field when it comes this path that we're on. I still make the choice how to react to my environment. I just wanted others' opinions on this subject. Thanks for your time.

Gassho,

Adam