Consumerism...
April 26, 2008 Filed in: Community
Consumerism, is not limited to material things. 'Experience' is also now something to be consumed. For example, more people travel now, and more widely, than they ever have done before. While this is a reflection of the speed with which we can now be transported to 'foreign parts' and of the growth in affluence of much of the world, and thoug travel in itself is neither good nor bad, much travel is motivated by the unconscious belief that, fundamentally, happiness lies in a place other where we are at the moment, a special place different from everyday reality.
Thus, going to work can never constitute 'real' happiness, but going on holiday to the sun can. Indeed, it would be interesting to discover just how many people now think of paradise, not as some place above the clouds, but as a tropical island.
Essentially, the greatest joys comes from producing rather than consuming, from creating value and happiness for one's fellow human beings rather than enjoying short-term pleasure, however often repeated. When people learn this, they will also discover that happiness is something that can be experienced here and now, no matter where you are or what your circumstances.
The mind is its own place and in itself
Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.
(Milton)
Source: ' The Buddha in daily life' by Richard Causton.
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