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Good morning. As we have been hearing, Russia has defied last night’s deadline to explain how a Novichok nerve agent came to be used in the poisoning of Yulia & Sergei Skripal. Today, in the light of that response, Mrs May will meet with the National Security Council to consider the next steps for our country. The question facing Britain has been how to deal with a nation and its leadership that seems to act with impunity. It’s reminds me of an historic incident from the 19th century about fallibility & power. A powerful mystic yogi named Bisakisen had fomented insurrection against British rule by promising to kill all Europeans in India. Out of fear of his evident powers and cruelty, he gained huge support. When the local Hindu magistrate, Kedarnath Dutta, was appointed to bring him to justice, Bisakisen warned him: “I am invincible. Try the case and see what happens.” Sure enough, Kedarnath’s family fell dangerously ill. His wife begged him to desist, but he bravely asked to be carried to the courthouse to pronounce the sentence. As the yogi was led from the dock still threatening retribution, it was a British medic, Dr Walters, who rushed forward and cut off the hair of the yogi. Bisakisen collapsed, believing the source of his supernatural powers gone. The Bhagavad-gita describes the tendencies of persons who, like Bisakisen, are driven by pride, conceit, anger and harshness. The Gita explains how they cultivate the attitude: “I have so much wealth & power today; and it will increase tomorrow. My old enemies are vanquished and anyone else who opposes me will also be destroyed.” Following such conclusions, the Gita says, these people become lost to themselves. But, like the example of Kedarnath Dutta, the Gita encourages us to challenge those with such mentality – in whatever situation we encounter them. And, it suggests if we want to counteract their power and influence, we should manifest the opposite characteristics. The first element is fearlessness, not borne of arrogance, but from the conviction that right will prevail. This inspires the determination and fortitude we need to maintain the inevitable sacrifices and difficulties that opposition to wrong-doing involves. The Gita asks us to avoid false allegations and fault-finding, but we must speak the truth about others’ crimes. Even though we might feel deep injustice, we should avoid anger; which only clouds our thinking and judgement. And, crucially we have to offer a path to resolution and forgiveness. Now, in this current wrangle with Russia, we must acknowledge that our government faces an enormous challenge implementing the appropriate response and balance of measures that might bring a wholesome conclusion to this crisis.