Accumulating material possessions as a device for power, separatism, or even the avoidance of looking within, seems a negative use of money (our current system of exchange).
However, money, in this present society, to me, only represents choices. Those choices would hopefully be conscious.
As many have already stated, unless one is an advanced being who can survive here with no clothing, way to prepare food, etc (and if they are so adept, what are they doing here?), one requires some material possessions. They are just things, that may bring joy to the individual, like Oceania's room of sand. The real issue then, is not in the accumulation of things, but in the motivation and intention.
Good points. Certainly attachment is a key factor.
But there is the consideration that in service to others, there may be possessions under one's care, such as a piece of land (service to the Earth, plants, animals), a trust or charity for helping humans in need. I think it is easy to isolate one's self and think one is progressing (I have done it), but to be of service can sometimes involve having "things" under one's care.
However, money, in this present society, to me, only represents choices. Those choices would hopefully be conscious.
As many have already stated, unless one is an advanced being who can survive here with no clothing, way to prepare food, etc (and if they are so adept, what are they doing here?), one requires some material possessions. They are just things, that may bring joy to the individual, like Oceania's room of sand. The real issue then, is not in the accumulation of things, but in the motivation and intention.
(11-19-2011, 07:48 PM)Tenet Nosce Wrote: Attachment to objects creates a drag on the motion of the seeker, as represented by the weight of the bag falling counter to the garment. It is not the acquisition of wealth, but the attachment to it, as symbolized by a bag being worn around the waist. In the Path of the Seeker, it may appear as if the contents of the bag (material possessions) are important, but they are not. And in many ways can be a hindrance. The more material possessions under one's care, the more time/space needs to be devoted to the control and maintenance of said possessions, thus leaving less available for forward motion upon the Path.
Good points. Certainly attachment is a key factor.
But there is the consideration that in service to others, there may be possessions under one's care, such as a piece of land (service to the Earth, plants, animals), a trust or charity for helping humans in need. I think it is easy to isolate one's self and think one is progressing (I have done it), but to be of service can sometimes involve having "things" under one's care.
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