| Consumerism is deeply enmeshed in the psyche of | | | | with limited spaciousness and enormous debt, the |
| most Americans. Not only are we rewarded for | | | | silliness of consumerism is an easy argument. Ten |
| spending money, we are cajoled and encouraged to | | | | years ago, at the height of the consumer-mentality, the |
| do so. The advertising industry, itself a hugely profitable | | | | person suggesting moderation would have not been |
| business, is paid to inform people that what they have, | | | | taken so seriously. |
| is not enough. | | | | This unfolding of fortunes is the materialization of the |
| In fact, what each person has is indeed enough. Sin is | | | | abstract concept of letting go in order to uncover |
| not a Buddhist concept in the manner as understood | | | | more. The more we try to hold on to, the farther we |
| by Westerners. Sin, as implied by Buddhism, is that | | | | move from our true nature and the Oneness that is |
| which stands between an individual and the melding | | | | bliss. |
| into the Oneness that will convey bliss. Greed can be | | | | The individual who understands the value of peace, |
| seen as a sin, because this emotion will strengthen the | | | | contentment, and intrinsic value of oneself, can be the |
| feelings of division within the individual. | | | | recipient of spaciousness both physical and emotional. |
| The emotion will strengthen a perception of lacking on | | | | The need to buy material products to prove one's |
| an individual basis. In truth, this does not exist. Neither is | | | | worth is irrelevant. |
| poverty a virtue. Poverty will as surely set up the | | | | Lack of material possessions, after the requisite food, |
| illusion of lack, when in reality it may only be the | | | | shelter, and clothing, leaves enormous room for delving |
| universal cry of "I want", of the childish mind. | | | | into bountiful nature, peaceful sleep, enjoyable |
| Consumerism is an artificial system that has been | | | | contemplation and activities with friends and family. |
| created for the manipulation of the many for the few. | | | | And the lack of debt needs no discussion. |
| Currently, as consumers live in their cluttered homes | | | | |