Wealth

Beginning in 2008 and continuing into today the U.S., Europe, Asia and most of the world is enduring an economic recession. Economic recession however offers a unique opportunity to understand the difference between money and wealth.
Money is a symbol that expresses how we value ourselves and others and also represents society's values at a particular time and place in history. Wealth on the other hand is a state of consciousness that represents generosity of spirit that translates into material abundance. If we could know the truth of this much of the world's suffering would be diminished.
My experience interacting with some of the lamas in Tibet and their generosity of spirit has provided me with the insight into this truth. This insight is only one small bit of knowledge of which the Tibetans hold the ultimate treasure chest. The Tibetans, having studied the nature of the mind and the nature of phenomena in a traceable lineage for the past 1300 years, is perhaps the most spiritual culture in the world. Now, unfortunately the Tibetan culture is on the very brink of destruction, and every government in the world is aware of the fact yet not one has come to its direct aid. We are all complicit in its demise by not reacting. This is an indication of the reality of the sad state of our world today. We value dollars over true wealth. We value greed over true happiness. We value pride over equanimity. We value holding a grudge over cultivating a compassionate heart.
Our very own dispassion for the situation in China and Tibet is a direct reflection of our values. Perhaps it also has to do with the cause.
However all problems can be viewed simply as challenges and opportunities. The only good thing about the imminent demise of this supremely valuable culture is that it can be reversed. My opinion is that most people are suffering within the constrictions of their own lives, extreme social mores, governments repressive or not, tyrants and most of all humans are held prisoners within their own minds. Human and animal rights are still in a primitive state. I think people, in their hearts know there is a deeper experience to be had. I pray this happens very soon. A very profound opportunity is about to disappear.