1-7
8-14
15-21
22-28
29-35
36-42
43-49
50-56
57-63
64-70
71-77
78-84
85-91
92-98
99-105
deforestation, erosion & topsoil depletion; greenhouse effect, ice age, nuclear winter, el
nino, and even asteroids threatening the planet. These big problems are invisible to
indifferent governments and ignoring citizens. Whose problems are these anyway? In
Neutrality, they belong to no one. They are certainly not mine.
When we humans institutionalized Neutrality over two hundred years ago, it was a great
advance over Adversity, it dramatically reduced the pain and suffering for humanity. In
the 18th century, Neutrality was a major advance for humankind. The neutral system gave
individuals opportunities for great economic success. The birth of capitalistic economics
greatly enriched the human condition. Neutral organization was more powerful than
adversary organization. Neutrality did work well in the free world for many humans who
inhabited it two hundred years ago.
world that was created in 1776, and many of us have lived by the rules of Neutrality ever
since. But things have changed, today, Institutional Neutrality no longer works for
humanity — not even for those ‘living’ in free world.
mechanism most suited for independent organisms which humans are not. Its great benefit
over adversity is as a mechanism to avoid loss. Neutrality is dominated by fair trade — the
bartering to insure that the price is fair — that neither party loses in a fair exchange. The
market is everything.
exchange.(X + Y) = 1. Neutrality only works when there are unlimited resources. The
plants— a naturally independent form of life — have unlimited sunlight.
world of America. Things have changed. Our human population has grown from less than
one billion in 1776 to over six billion. Neutrality is no longer an option.
whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."
their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there
may be equality."
(Golden Text: 2 Corinthians 8:14)
their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there
may be equality.
(Kings James Version: 2Corinthians 8:14)
him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise."
receiving. When we give to one another, freely and without conditions, sharing
our blessings with others and bearing each other's burdens, the giving multiplies
and we receive far more than what was given. Even when there is no immediate
prospect of return, Heaven keeps accounts of giving, and in the end blessing will
return to the giver, multiplied manyfold. We must give first; to expect to receive
without having given is to violate the universal law. On the other hand, giving in
order to receive--with strings attached, with the intention of currying favor, or in
order to make a name for oneself--is condemned.
you get back.
stands exalted.
hinokishin, voluntary service for the well-being of the
community, when one seeks neither praise nor reward.
no faith in him.
In other words, be kind and generous to others if you expect
others to help you.
you expend, God knows of it.
use without sharing them, nor would the taint of stinginess obsess the heart
and stay there. Even if it were their last bit, their last morsel of food, they would
not enjoy its use without sharing it, if there were anyone to receive it.
him joyously, and you will obtain vast and great blessings." A shramana asked:
"Is there an end to those blessings?" The Buddha said, "Consider the flame of a
single lamp. Though a hundred thousand people come and light their own
lamps from it so that they can cook their food and ward off the darkness, the
first lamp remains the same as before. Blessings are like this, too."
scattered among them is the way to collect the people.
will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not
reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is
able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always
have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good
work. As it is written,
who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply
your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be
enriched in every way for great generosity.
doing.
time, in proper circumstances, and to a worthy person, is enlightened giving.
Giving with regrets or in the expectation of receiving some favor or of getting
something in return, is selfish giving.
recompense, only seeking the Face of his Lord the Most High; He shall surely
be satisfied.
with equanimity, without regret, without hoping for reward, without seeking
honor, without coveting material benefits, but only to rescue and safeguard all
living beings.
way of the ghosts;
quality of the gods.
Life 8.125
away a state of a thousand chariots, but reluctance would be written all over his
face if he had to give away a basketful of rice and a bowlful of soup when no
such purpose was served."
least of equal courtesy. God takes careful account of all things.
And I returned for it a beautiful keu gem;
Not as a return for it,
But that our friendship might be lasting.
And I returned for it a beautiful yaou gem;
Not as a return for it,
But that our friendship might be lasting.
And I returned for it a beautiful kew stone;
Not as a return for it, But that our friendship might be lasting.
the give and take action of love with more power than they invest. We can
conclude that the word "eternity" can only be formed through love.
twilken@mbay.net
Andrew Wilson, Editor, World Scripture: A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts, United
Communities of Spirit, 1991 — Internet: http://origin.org/ws/theme140.cfm