Theos-Talk Archives (May 1999ar Message tt00052)

May 7th 1999

Dallas offers:

MKR states that which has been my observation throughout the
"Orient."  In India, Ceylon, Burma, Thailand, Nepal, Cambodia,
etc... wherever Hinduism and Buddhism flourish and flourished,
and where the concept of the immortality of the Human Soul and
the Brotherhood of Humanity are considered to be fundamental --
where, therefore, reincarnation and Karma are common and basic
ideas to be applied in daily life, the automatic support offered
to those who are indigent, or are wise and have renounced worldly
concerns is offered.  The concept of the world as a family, and
to serve and protect all motivates such service -- there, but for
Karma, go I thinks the devout Buddhist or Hindu, and may I be
treated in need then, as I treat my brothers and sisters now.

Those who have the means construct or maintain "Dharma-shalas"
where pilgrims and the dispossessed can live, and be fed and
clothed when such was needed.  I must say that this applies more
to the remote areas of these countries and away from the great
cities that now have grown and emulate the West.

It is in the great cities that one notices the "poverty" and the
"begging."  And it  would be wrong to make conclusions concerning
a whole country based on those superficial and brief observations
around tourist spots and commercial endeavors.  Yet even in
those great cities, in areas away from the common tourist venues,
there are many hospitals, clinics, hostels, and shelters for the
abused and the needy which are supported by local city folk.

Dallas


              Dallas TenBroeck
               dalval@nwc.net




-----Original Message-----
From: owner-theos-talk@pippin.imagiware.com
[mailto:owner-theos-talk@pippin.imagiware.com]On Behalf Of M K
Ramadoss
Sent: Thursday, May 06, 1999 10:18 PM
To: theos-talk@theosophy.com
Subject: Re: Theos-World On Buddhist charity


> In a message dated 5/7/99 2:25:04 AM, Lucio wrote:
>
> <<I agree with you entirely I have one coment to make
> about buddism [and monks]. I do not know what brach you bellong
to
> but the non involvement with life in the daily chores of
producing food
> they sit back and enjoy the charity bowls. of the workers. they
being poor
> themselves.>>

It is the age old tradition in India that the monks and poor
people are fed by
everyone. In the India, it is the tradition to first give some
food to a monk or a
poor person who "begs". Traditionally it is done before one takes
his/her own
lunch or dinner. Again when one becomes a monk or sanyasi, he/she
irrevocably
gives up everything and is willing to starve if no one feeds.
Also it is not
considered any demeaning to beg. Moreover, at times of great
moments when grave
decisions are taken, it is not unusual for the rulers and modern
day politicians
to seek counsel from the monks. The monks are the only ones who
are in a position
to give an unbiased counsel in the best interests of everyone.
I would also point out that all the greatest religious  reformers
that the East
has produced are sanyasis or monks.

It is the typical western thinking to look upon them as
beneficiaries who do not
work.

mkr



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