Is Giving A Homeless Person $ For Drugs STO?

[meadow-foreigner]

Perhaps.

[Ming the Merciful]

I say, give the guy some change. We don't know if he will use it to buy a crack pipe or a hamburger and why does it matter?
I do not believe it is misplaced compassion either. Perhaps it is for some other guy, but what about the guy that is always wise and needs to balance his wisdom with unbridled compassion? Without examining the motives of another and without digging into his blue ray?
I mean, we aren't putting our homes up for a second mortgage, are we? We are literally talking about pocket change.
If someone tells you they need heroin or they think they will go through the withdrawal and die due to the withdrawal symptoms, I am going with a hard NOPE. NO MONEY; but are they hungry? Are they thristy? Do we have $5.00?

Do you know how it feels when you haven't eaten for three days, and somebody gives you money or food? You have reached Nirvana. Fortunately, (for myself), when I was homeless I was not on drugs, although one night I stayed at a homeless shelter in Girona and it was obvious who was high. I avoided such people, apart from the fact I did not speak Catalonian. Although as I considered my homelessness almost like a "Walkabout". Have you heard of anyone who enjoyed being homeless? You have now. One of the most enjoyable times of my life. Believe it, (or not), there are times when I could happily relive the experience. Its not the lack of money or possessions, its the Liberation. If you approach homelessness from the right perspective, it can be liberating. Dropping all the constraints of society, and viewing it from the outside. Man, while it lasted it was fun.

[Ohr Ein Sof]

I say, give the guy some change. We don't know if he will use it to buy a crack pipe or a hamburger and why does it matter?
I do not believe it is misplaced compassion either. Perhaps it is for some other guy, but what about the guy that is always wise and needs to balance his wisdom with unbridled compassion? Without examining the motives of another and without digging into his blue ray?
I mean, we aren't putting our homes up for a second mortgage, are we? We are literally talking about pocket change.
If someone tells you they need heroin or they think they will go through the withdrawal and die due to the withdrawal symptoms, I am going with a hard NOPE. NO MONEY; but are they hungry? Are they thristy? Do we have $5.00?

Do you know how it feels when you haven't eaten for three days, and somebody gives you money or food? You have reached Nirvana. Fortunately, (for myself), when I was homeless I was not on drugs, although one night I stayed at a homeless shelter in Girona and it was obvious who was high. I avoided such people, apart from the fact I did not speak Catalonian. Although as I considered my homelessness almost like a "Walkabout". Have you heard of anyone who enjoyed being homeless? You have now. One of the most enjoyable times of my life. Believe it, (or not), there are times when I could happily relive the experience. Its not the lack of money or possessions, its the Liberation. If you approach homelessness from the right perspective, it can be liberating. Dropping all the constraints of society, and viewing it from the outside. Man, while it lasted it was fun.

 

My hat off to you Ming! The closest I ever got to homelessness was roughing it while camping (while still having a home to return to). I have heard from a couple people they enjoy being homeless.
I'm the sort of person who looks for homelessness and true struggle such as searching in garbage cans for something to munch on. I want to help, because going without food is painful, it literally hurts! Physical pain! I would rather share my money than to assume I am unwise for that sort of compassion (my own personal distorted view). If its drugs, as I have said, it is a no go. If a drug addict is starving; still heading to a place to buy that person some food. I cannot turn a blind eye to a starving animal or human. We all need to weigh such things, right? If it is in front of us, it is catalyst. All one needs to do is to perceive it within one of the 5 senses. What we do with that, is up to us individually. There is no right or wrong. All is reconciled at some point anyway.

[Ohr Ein Sof]

Why dont i just buy a chik fil sandwitch and give it to em. Then i dont need to worry about what the money is used for.

If they are hungry, feed them. If they need shelter from rain, give them a coat.

Yeah Ymar, I've done that too! So yeah, for those of us that wanna make certain our money is going toward the need, sure! Make sure it comes with their yummy lemonade though.

[Minyatur]

To me this entire subject somewhat revolves around the theme of learn/teaching and teach/learning.

If someone asks for money, while my response to is go spend the money first on what I believe they need instead of giving what they have asked for, this could be seen as wanting to both teach/learn and learn/teach in their stead.

If I see a homeless person and they did not ask for anything and I decide to offer something of my own choosing because of my perception of their state of lack, then it would not be to attempt to learn/teach in their stead.

I think we often tend to project our own prejudices on others, as if their choices or what is best for them has to reflect our own choices and what is best for us. A part of the material I really like is when it says that nothing is overcome and what is not needed falls away, hinting that even in things that we do not understand there might be a need for them. So if we learn to not judge and offer our intention without attachment to outcomes, that might be how we might best manifest to be positive. When you make someone feel that you are against them, or attempt to control them, often the results will go against your initial intent of helping.

[Ming the Merciful]

I say, give the guy some change. We don't know if he will use it to buy a crack pipe or a hamburger and why does it matter?
I do not believe it is misplaced compassion either. Perhaps it is for some other guy, but what about the guy that is always wise and needs to balance his wisdom with unbridled compassion? Without examining the motives of another and without digging into his blue ray?
I mean, we aren't putting our homes up for a second mortgage, are we? We are literally talking about pocket change.
If someone tells you they need heroin or they think they will go through the withdrawal and die due to the withdrawal symptoms, I am going with a hard NOPE. NO MONEY; but are they hungry? Are they thristy? Do we have $5.00?

Do you know how it feels when you haven't eaten for three days, and somebody gives you money or food? You have reached Nirvana. Fortunately, (for myself), when I was homeless I was not on drugs, although one night I stayed at a homeless shelter in Girona and it was obvious who was high. I avoided such people, apart from the fact I did not speak Catalonian. Although as I considered my homelessness almost like a "Walkabout". Have you heard of anyone who enjoyed being homeless? You have now. One of the most enjoyable times of my life. Believe it, (or not), there are times when I could happily relive the experience. Its not the lack of money or possessions, its the Liberation. If you approach homelessness from the right perspective, it can be liberating. Dropping all the constraints of society, and viewing it from the outside. Man, while it lasted it was fun.

 

My hat off to you Ming! The closest I ever got to homelessness was roughing it while camping (while still having a home to return to). I have heard from a couple people they enjoy being homeless.
I'm the sort of person who looks for homelessness and true struggle such as searching in garbage cans for something to munch on. I want to help, because going without food is painful, it literally hurts! Physical pain! I would rather share my money than to assume I am unwise for that sort of compassion (my own personal distorted view). If its drugs, as I have said, it is a no go. If a drug addict is starving; still heading to a place to buy that person some food. I cannot turn a blind eye to a starving animal or human. We all need to weigh such things, right? If it is in front of us, it is catalyst. All one needs to do is to perceive it within one of the 5 senses. What we do with that, is up to us individually. There is no right or wrong. All is reconciled at some point anyway.

There were times when I was walking between Girona and Barcelona and I didn't receive "Food from the God(s), (did you read the Post, (above), where I found food on park benches, unopened cans of drink and baguettes)? The point is, there were a couple of times when I looked for food in garbage cans at the back of restaurants, and you would not believe what "Feasts" I found. It was better food that what I was used to eating at home. Obviously food the restaurant hadn't used the previous day, and it had been replaced, so thrown in the garbage cans at the back. As for the "Walkabout" part of the journey, it was, (literally), a "Liberating Experience". Two weeks earlier I had been in Nice and Milan, and while I could, I stayed in good hotels, and I knew there was going to be point when I would start running-out of money. Hence, I went to Perpignan, (and points south). That was the plan from the beginning. I collect countries the same way other people collect postage stamps. I had actually started in Denmark and travelled south through Germany, Switzerland, France, with side-trips to Milan, Monaco, and while I was at Perpignan, I went up through the Pyrenees to Faux and Pau, (near the Bay of Biscay). Travelling is my weakness in life. So, when I finally became penniless, I was ready for it, and living outside twenty-four hours a day is enjoyable, (most people probably don't think so). Then I had the advantage following Zen Buddhism and I considered it as much as a "Philosophical Experience" as well as the "Physical Act" of being homeless. The way to Self-Realization. Give up worldly possessions and live a life in Zen. If you are homeless with a "Positive Attitude", it changes everything.

:idea:

[Patrick]

...If you are homeless with a "Positive Attitude", it changes everything.

This part could explain why some are on the streets by what appears to be by choice even in countries like Canada where in theory welfare should give anyone housing and food.

[Ming the Merciful]

...If you are homeless with a "Positive Attitude", it changes everything.

This part could explain why some are on the streets by what appears to be by choice even in countries like Canada where in theory welfare should give anyone housing and food.

Absolutely right Patrick. It was "Zen" that gave me that attitude, apart from the fact I never considered myself to be a Materialistic person anyway, and it was the opportunity to put my beliefs and principles into practice. Half the time when I became homeless and penniless, as I was walking along the coast, using Still-Mind Meditation. I think it was that which gave me the positive attitude. Without sounding egotistical, (which I am not), I did find "Self-Realization". Something "Clicked". In the other Post, (on the other Thread), I mentioned how when you allow the Intuitive Mind to influence your life? I was as much in Intuitive Mind as Intellectual Mind. All the time I was homeless, I never felt fear from anything. You can believe this, (or you won't). Make your own decision? There was a point where I was walking along the coast in the mountains, in Still Mind, (communing with the surrounding nature). Out of the silence I heard the OM. Most people do not believe me, (but), I know what I heard, and when you hear it, you are changed forever. It changes everything. After that experience it has given me something which I cannot explain. So that is why it is important for me to try to make people aware of using Intuitive Mind and improving their "Spiritual Nature".

[Aion]

Did y'all know that Eckhart Tolle basically lived in Stanley Park in Vancouver while he waited for his book to get published?

I was homeless for a few years and I experienced both the wonderful side of endless exploration, freedom and liberation, but also the cold loneliness of sleeping under a bus stop bench in winter. However, I had a support system still, and many do not have any real support whatsoever and that is the thing that really keeps people from having the freedom to choose that lifestyle or not. It's one thing to choose that for yourself, another to be caught in the vicious cycles of uncaring economics or mental health challenges.

The difference between the homeless suffering from true poverty and those who are being 'ascetics' or 'wanderers' isn't perspective or "mindset", it's the freedom to be able to make that choice.

[Ming the Merciful]

Did y'all know that Eckhart Tolle basically lived in Stanley Park in Vancouver while he waited for his book to get published?

I was homeless for a few years and I experienced both the wonderful side of endless exploration, freedom and liberation, but also the cold loneliness of sleeping under a bus stop bench in winter. However, I had a support system still, and many do not have any real support whatsoever and that is the thing that really keeps people from having the freedom to choose that lifestyle or not. It's one thing to choose that for yourself, another to be caught in the vicious cycles of uncaring economics or mental health challenges.

The difference between the homeless suffering from true poverty and those who are being 'ascetics' or 'wanderers' isn't perspective or "mindset", it's the freedom to be able to make that choice.

Basically, it is the freedom to be yourself, (in any context). Was I "Homeless" or a "Wanderer"? Both. I didn't know Eckhart Tolle lived in Vancouver?

[Aion]

Did y'all know that Eckhart Tolle basically lived in Stanley Park in Vancouver while he waited for his book to get published?

I was homeless for a few years and I experienced both the wonderful side of endless exploration, freedom and liberation, but also the cold loneliness of sleeping under a bus stop bench in winter. However, I had a support system still, and many do not have any real support whatsoever and that is the thing that really keeps people from having the freedom to choose that lifestyle or not. It's one thing to choose that for yourself, another to be caught in the vicious cycles of uncaring economics or mental health challenges.

The difference between the homeless suffering from true poverty and those who are being 'ascetics' or 'wanderers' isn't perspective or "mindset", it's the freedom to be able to make that choice.

Basically, it is the freedom to be yourself, (in any context). Was I "Homeless" or a "Wanderer"? Both. I didn't know Eckhart Tolle lived in Vancouver?

In the circles I was in those who chose to be homeless called themselves "home-free", I think that's a good distinction vs homeless.

Yeah he moved there in 1995.

[Ymarsakar]

I think these home free ones could have just lived in a monastery or other similar place. Too bad the west lacks something like thay.

The astrological charts for these home free periods must be quite interesting. Rahu for foreign travel.

[Ming the Merciful]

Did y'all know that Eckhart Tolle basically lived in Stanley Park in Vancouver while he waited for his book to get published?

I was homeless for a few years and I experienced both the wonderful side of endless exploration, freedom and liberation, but also the cold loneliness of sleeping under a bus stop bench in winter. However, I had a support system still, and many do not have any real support whatsoever and that is the thing that really keeps people from having the freedom to choose that lifestyle or not. It's one thing to choose that for yourself, another to be caught in the vicious cycles of uncaring economics or mental health challenges.

The difference between the homeless suffering from true poverty and those who are being 'ascetics' or 'wanderers' isn't perspective or "mindset", it's the freedom to be able to make that choice.

Basically, it is the freedom to be yourself, (in any context). Was I "Homeless" or a "Wanderer"? Both. I didn't know Eckhart Tolle lived in Vancouver?

In the circles I was in those who chose to be homeless called themselves "home-free", I think that's a good distinction vs homeless.

Yeah he moved there in 1995.

So, does this make me a "Wanderer"? A person seeking truth, and indirectly wandering to find the "Inner Reality". The Subconscious desire just get up and walk until you find it? It appears, (as always), there are more questions than answers? A Zen saying, "When you find it you will never lose it". The Great Mystery continues...

[Diana]

So, does this make me a "Wanderer"? A person seeking truth, and indirectly wandering to find the "Inner Reality". The Subconscious desire just get up and walk until you find it? It appears, (as always), there are more questions than answers? A Zen saying, "When you find it you will never lose it". The Great Mystery continues...

Ra's definition of a Wanderer:

12.26 ▶ Questioner: Thank you. Well, you spoke of Wanderers. Who are Wanderers? Where do they come from?

Ra: I am Ra. Imagine, if you will, the sands of your shores. As countless as the grains of sand are the sources of intelligent infinity. When a social memory complex has achieved its complete understanding of its desire, it may conclude that its desire is service to others with the distortion towards reaching their hand, figuratively, to any entities who call for aid. These entities whom you may call the Brothers and Sisters of Sorrow move towards this calling of sorrow. These entities are from all reaches of the infinite creation and are bound together by the desire to serve in this distortion.

By the way, Ming, you can search through any of the Ra Material 5 books, on any subject, here at this website:

https://www.lawofone.info/

[Ymarsakar]

Every human or mortal is a wanderer from source. Someare just morr lost than others.

[Aion]

I think these home free ones could have just lived in a monastery or other similar place. Too bad the west lacks something like thay.

The astrological charts for these home free periods must be quite interesting. Rahu for foreign travel.

There are places like that here and there, but a lot of these individuals like to be able to move around. Not only that a lot of them are avoidant of religious connotations. I have plenty of friends who in the summers will hitchhike back and forth across Canada.

Assorted 'sanctuaries' pop up now and again where transients will stay for awhile or try and set up community but it pretty much always falls apart due to drama and/or drug use.

[Aion]

Did y'all know that Eckhart Tolle basically lived in Stanley Park in Vancouver while he waited for his book to get published?

I was homeless for a few years and I experienced both the wonderful side of endless exploration, freedom and liberation, but also the cold loneliness of sleeping under a bus stop bench in winter. However, I had a support system still, and many do not have any real support whatsoever and that is the thing that really keeps people from having the freedom to choose that lifestyle or not. It's one thing to choose that for yourself, another to be caught in the vicious cycles of uncaring economics or mental health challenges.

The difference between the homeless suffering from true poverty and those who are being 'ascetics' or 'wanderers' isn't perspective or "mindset", it's the freedom to be able to make that choice.

Basically, it is the freedom to be yourself, (in any context). Was I "Homeless" or a "Wanderer"? Both. I didn't know Eckhart Tolle lived in Vancouver?

In the circles I was in those who chose to be homeless called themselves "home-free", I think that's a good distinction vs homeless.

Yeah he moved there in 1995.

So, does this make me a "Wanderer"? A person seeking truth, and indirectly wandering to find the "Inner Reality". The Subconscious desire just get up and walk until you find it? It appears, (as always), there are more questions than answers? A Zen saying, "When you find it you will never lose it". The Great Mystery continues...

I meant that word in the literal definition of one who wanders, not the 'spiritual' definition. The point was less about the terms and more just point to the difference in circumstance surrounding individuals 'living outside' as one fellow put it to me.

They are neither mutually inclusive or exclusive. You can be both, one or the other, or neither. My point was to simply distinguish the between circumstances of choice and that the state of "homeless" or "homefree" or however you want to call it is different, to extremes, for everyone experiencing it.

[Ohr Ein Sof]

I think these home free ones could have just lived in a monastery or other similar place. Too bad the west lacks something like thay.

The astrological charts for these home free periods must be quite interesting. Rahu for foreign travel.

We have monestaries all over the place. I don't know that you can just walk up to a monestary and move right in. But we also have loads of homeless or home free shelters with a food pantry, clothing and hygiene pantries and a dining hall, plus free health clinics. I live only miles from a very nice facility. I donate there all the time. From clothing to homemade baked breads. I love the place and the people that travel through there (transients due to weather), are super great to speak with and exceedingly interesting. Anyway, yes of course there are drug addicts that stay at this facility. I'm just happy they have a place to go eat, clean up, stay the night whatever.

[Ming the Merciful]

I think these home free ones could have just lived in a monastery or other similar place. Too bad the west lacks something like thay.

The astrological charts for these home free periods must be quite interesting. Rahu for foreign travel.

We have monestaries all over the place. I don't know that you can just walk up to a monestary and move right in. But we also have loads of homeless or home free shelters with a food pantry, clothing and hygiene pantries and a dining hall, plus free health clinics. I live only miles from a very nice facility. I donate there all the time. From clothing to homemade baked breads. I love the place and the people that travel through there (transients due to weather), are super great to speak with and exceedingly interesting. Anyway, yes of course there are drug addicts that stay at this facility. I'm just happy they have a place to go eat, clean up, stay the night whatever.  

A couple of days before I departed for Denmark, I had considered going into an ISKCON Temple, (as refuge), instead of going to Europe. They said they would welcome me with open arms, (but), I had to have the money to support myself while there. I told them my situation and they weren't interested. So, Denmark, (or nothing). I preferred the "Nothing" because I had control over my own destiny without accountability to anyone. So the adventure began. As a follower of Zen, would I been happy in an ISKCON Temple? A step backwards. Before I went into Zen, I was in ISKCON and they were too "Evangelical" for my liking. Only ISKCON will save the world, (give me a break).That is why I left in the first place. Never look back.