Dharma Wheel

Failure to appreciate and observe the most basic lessons have led us to the crises we are now faced with

Buddhist teachings focus on the mind of the practitioner and the ability to create peace and wisdom, more essential than ever, amidst the whirlwind of globalisation.

Rapid changes and tragic incidents that occur around the world show how the Lord Buddha's teachings are timeless.
For instance, if people had pursued the concept of immunity and moderation, we would not be trapped in the current financial crisis, which stems largely from excessive consumption.
If people were sufficiently aware of the inter-connection of their actions with the environment, we would have consumed more wisely without leaving such harmful effects on the world around us.

Buddhism's teachings do not aim to prevent the process of development, but rather urge people to progress in a sustainable manner.
And today, the message of the Lord Buddha couldn't be more appropriate, as we face several crises at once.

Buddhist teachings also show us a way to solve the environmental crisis.
If we humans consume wisely, we can limit the waste we discharge, helping to save the fragile world we live in.
We should be aware of what we consume and be mindful of the consequences of our behaviour in this inter-connected world.
Only through this can we protect our Earth.
And only through compassion toward each other will we reduce the harm that has negative economic and social effects.

"And what is the bliss of debtlessness? There is the case where the son of a good family owes no debt, great or small, to anyone at all. When he thinks, 'I owe no debt, great or small, to anyone at all,' he experiences bliss, he experiences joy. This is called the bliss of debtlessness.

Anana Sutta

"In every case where a family cannot hold onto its great wealth for long, it is for one or another of these four reasons. Which four? They don't look for things that are lost. They don't repair things that have gotten old. They are immoderate in consuming food and drink. They place a woman or man of no virtue or principles in the position of authority. In every case where a family cannot hold onto its great wealth for long, it is for one or another of these four reasons.

Kula Sutta

Getting into debt is suffering in the world for one who partakes of sensuality. Interest payment is suffering in the world for one who partakes of sensuality. Being served notice is suffering in the world for one who partakes of sensuality. Being hounded is suffering in the world for one who partakes of sensuality. Bondage is suffering in the world for one who partakes of sensuality.

Ina Sutta

"And what is the treasure of generosity? There is the case of a disciple of the noble ones, his awareness cleansed of the stain of stinginess, living at home, freely generous, openhanded, delighting in being magnanimous, responsive to requests, delighting in the distribution of alms. This is called the treasure of generosity.

Whoever, man or woman, has these treasures
is said not to be poor, has not lived in vain.
So conviction & virtue, confidence & Dhamma-vision
should be cultivated by the wise,
remembering the Buddhas' instruction.

Dhana Sutta

As a bee gathers honey from the flower without injuring its color or fragrance, even so the sage goes on his alms-round in the village.

Pupphavagga

"Now, craving is dependent on feeling, seeking is dependent on craving, acquisition is dependent on seeking, ascertainment is dependent on acquisition, desire and passion is dependent on ascertainment, attachment is dependent on desire and passion, possessiveness is dependent on attachment, stinginess is dependent on possessiveness, defensiveness is dependent on stinginess, and because of defensiveness, dependent on defensiveness, various evil, unskillful phenomena come into play: the taking up of sticks and knives; conflicts, quarrels, and disputes; accusations, divisive speech, and lies.

Maha-nidana Sutta

...so long as they cherish the forest depths for their dwellings;... their growth is to be expected, not their decline.

DN 16

The color of blue-dark clouds,
glistening,
cooled with the waters
of clear-flowing streams
covered with ladybugs:
those rocky crags
refresh me.

Peacocks,
crested, blue, with gorgeous necks,
cry out
in the Karamvi woods,
thrilled by the cold wind.
They awaken the sleeper
to meditate.

With clear waters &
massive boulders,
frequented by monkeys &
deer,
covered with moss &
water weeds,
those rocky crags refresh me.

The peacocks — with lovely feathers, lovely wings,
Lovely blue necks and lovely faces,
Call out — a lovely song with a lovely sound.
This great earth has lovely waters and grasses;
There are lovely clouds in the sky.

Meditating with a good sound body and a good mind,
It is good to go forth well
In the good teaching of the Buddha.
Experience that highest, unwavering state!
Most pure, subtle, most hard to see.

I've lived in wildernesses,
canyons, & caves,
isolated dwellings
frequented by predator & prey,
but never have I known
an ignoble, aversive resolve:
"May these beings
be destroyed,
be slaughtered,
fall into pain."

Maha Kassapa

Luke wrote:Buddhism is always important. Buddhism is not any more or less important today than it was 100 years ago or 100 kalpas ago. People still stuck in samsara need Buddhism, and Buddhas need to teach Buddhism.

Develop kindness and calmness. Then develop wisdom. It's that simple.