This is an important topic for people, especially in countries where there is physical poverty.
When we are in circumstances of physical poverty it is very difficult to work on ourselves.
Truly it is difficult to start the work in such conditions and it is even difficult while we are already working on ourselves.
To work on ourselves while in poverty would mean a very dramatic change in lifestyle and change in life circumstances.
We tend to think being poor is a really good condition to work on ourselves. For a certain time it really is. However for a prolonged duration it really isn't.
It is also very difficult to work on ourselves being very internally poor. This is how most of us start the work on ourselves. Physically well provided for but internally poor.
Even though we are poor physically and internally there is always something that we have that we can make use of. This is the good news.
In general karma is not totally merciless. The karma always gives us a tool of some kind to endure it and away to lessen the load if we so choose.
We have to start to work where we are and how we are.
Why? Because we enter into a very instinctive way of living where we become totally consumed with worries about how we are going to make it through the next week. Some people call it survival mode, where in that state there is no room to think about our soul or to even think rationally.
Like everything in this world there is a reason for poverty. It is not a random curse.
It is not a random or unfair misfortune. Though I wouldn't say this to anyone suffering from poverty.
The question of poverty comes down to the same principles of give and take, dharma and karma.
The insensitive thing is to say to a person that you are poor because of your karma. The sensitive and helpful thing to say is to offer teachings to get out of poverty.
The teachings to get out of poverty include addressing the main principles of giving, working honestly hard, raising the level of the Being.
Here are the main points on a high level:
• Raise the level of Being.
• Give as much as possible in any way that is possible so as to be helped with opportunities to change circumstances.
• Cultivate and transmute the sexual energy.
• Work on dissolving fear, pride, lust, laziness and vices such as drinking.
• Work in actively developing as much good qualities as possible.
• Relate well to money. Use it wisely, hold onto it for the future for future necessities.
• Go to work and don't wait for hand outs.
End (6023).

Comments
Post a Comment