Last night I did something I rarely do anymore. As I stretched out on the couch, I channel surfed for an hour or so around real-time broadcast and cable TV. Usually these days, we only watch a few programs, and always from recorded episodes that allow us to excise every moment of crass advertising, exploitive local station news teasers, and other loathsome assaults on the senses and drainers of vitality. Exposure to unfiltered American television content and advertising these days does not provide a very life-affirming experience, it seems.

This morning I ran across a Buddhist quote that semed relevant to my wasted vewing time last night...

In the same way that someone in the midst of a rough crowd guards a wound with great care, so in the midst of bad company should one always guard the wound that is the mind.

-Shantideva

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