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Good morning. During the Coronavirus lockdown, it’s been heart-warming to witness so many acts of kindness and personal sacrifice. The amazing adherence of the British public to the rules and guidance of the lockdown is a tribute to its sense of social responsibility - over and above any issue of legal compliance. And, for most people, putting the needs of society ahead of one’s personal needs and interests has entailed serious hardship. This spirit encapsulates the Hindu concept: dharma – acting selflessly in the service of others. But, as life is complex, so is dharma. Dharma means being true to the responsibilities arising from the various relationships we have with others. So, we all have many dharmas to fulfil. For instance, as a parent, I have a responsibility to act for the welfare of my children; as an employee, I fulfil my role towards my company and employer; and as a member of society I accept its laws and standards. It’s a happy situation if our many dharmas line up. Often, they conflict. And when, on top of everything else, we are urged to stay at home, those conflicts may be exacerbated. In effect, each of us is being asked to place our dharma to society over the interests of our families:- to accept personal stress and misery as we forego seeing friends and relatives; or miss comforting a loved-one in their final moments; or as we struggle without regular work and income. In such circumstances, it should not be unexpected - as we have seen in the last few days, - that an individual may break rank, so to speak – putting their sense of duty, or dharma, to their family ahead of society. Some might think it’s understandable; while others may not – perhaps feeling a trust has been broken. When it comes to those in leadership or influence, says the Bhagavad-gita, judgement and objectivity are crucial. It notes that: “whatever standards are set by example, the rest of us may be inspired to follow.” There’s a story of a mother who begged Mahatma Gandhi to tell her diabetic son to stop eating sugar. Gandhi suggested they come back a week later. When they did, Gandhi asked the child to avoid sugar. The mother was perplexed why Gandhi delayed giving the instruction. He replied: “because a week ago, I was still eating sugar.” Difficult times challenge us in balancing conflicting dharmik responsibilities. But, I think we’ve seen help can be found. And, in times when we require society to act together, we must ask for… and be the support that each of us may need to get through.