By: Badhras

Badhras — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:11:59 +0000

This post reminds me of Siddhartha’s articulation of The Middle Way. Buddhism articulates the same message regarding the acquisition of material needs and detachment from material wants. I think the challenge for each individual is understanding the difference between needs and wants. Many western cultures adopt a binary thinking patterns, and try to declare categories objects into definitive classifications of needs or wants. I think the truth is much more complicated and much more relative. For example, one person might actually have a need for an automotive vehicle to efficiently perform their daily work while another might actually be able to get by just fine with public transportation. Likewise, a person who suffers from anemia and iron deficiencies might have a legitimate reason to consume more meat-based proteins in their diet to stay healthy, while another might realize an ethical vegetarian diet suits them just fine. Then there’s also the nature of access, as well. At least in the United States, the ability to pursue an ethical and sustainable diet often comes at a higher monetary cost (e.g. organic foods cost more), creating a barrier for the less monetarily wealthy. As with any personal enlightenment that involves shades of grey, there always exists the danger for one to believe themselves superior for implementing a personal dogma that others don’t or can’t perform. I am always thankful that the Baha’i Faith does not codify a lot of these types of social expectations, ensuring that each individual not only has the right, but the honor and privilege of discovering their social obligations for themselves.

Comments on: Materialism — A Renewed Debate for the Twenty-First Century

By: Badhras