On service to others before the self

Thank you for tuning in to this issue of Metaphysical Mind written by Bill Bowles (BB). Among the many ideas Bill has shared with me, none stand out more than the rejection of human greed and the principle of service to others before self. In case you missed the last issue of this Ezine, read it here: http://www.whatismetaphysics.com/bill-bowles-ezine-1-of-3.html In one of the articles he shared with me, he wrote: "I wonder why the youth almost universally reject the opinions of the 'old folk'. Then they rush off and make the same mistakes that have been made so many times before." This question spoke to me personally so I decided to answer it as best as I could here. In my opinion, the reason why is basically human nature or a lack of connection to God. It is out of selfishness that we are so prone to disregard the teachings of others and to learn from our own experience, however costly it may be. Heck, many of us (myself included) even try to resist the will of our Creator. To the young people, we must try to understand our elders rather than to be understood by them. Just a Thought by Bill Bowles Reading in the first chapter of the book of Genesis in the Christian Bible (the story of the creation of the earth and its living inhabitants); one wonders if it would not have been better if creation had stopped after the fourth day. Once animal life and men and women appeared on the scene they have done little else but destroy what was originally perfection. Perhaps there is a lesson to be learnt here. Some principle that our societies could embrace that would ultimately lead to a perfect solution to the plethora of problems that we experience today. It is a frightening thought that we, as the controlling inhabitants of this world, are responsible, either wholly or partially, for everything that is wrong with our current circumstances. If we spend a little time in examining the motives that have propelled us into this situation, we find that greed is almost exclusively responsible. The desire to possess or in some way acquire something to which we had no right in the first place. Immediately the solution presents itself. Place the desires and needs of another before the desires and needs of self. Is the solution to the multiplicity of social problems of today so simple? If we place the needs of our neighbour before those we see as our own then there will be no place for greed. If greed is overcome there is no longer any necessity to destroy the equanimity of others by trying to take from them what is rightfully theirs and not ours. All of creation was and is the ultimate act of giving. A beautiful gift, as is indeed life itself and all we can do is damage and destroy. Let's change that and establish giving as our lifestyle instead of taking. There comes a time in the lives of all people when we are faced with making a crucial decision and are at a loss as to what would be the correct action in the circumstances that face us. It is well at such times, to take a little longer and to consider who else may be affected and how. The old maxim "act in haste and repent at leisure" is a truth more often than not. Once again we find that placing the desires and needs of others before our own usually points us to the solution we are seeking. --BB And now a poem titled "Where Are We Going?" Sometimes when travelling in a group, Being led by one who is astute, It will be heard from those who follow, "Where are we going in this rush? Where is it that you're taking us?" Then if there's no clear destination, Just mumbled word and deviation, Then we must ask again quite clearly, "Where is it that you're taking us? We need to know if we're to trust The words you speak and path you take. Confusion now's a grave mistake- If you can't tell us plainly, friend, Then trusting you as guide must end. There should be purpose in this chase, To reach that holy long-sought place And there to find the great reward, Promised' us by The Lord." The moral of this little tale? Don't let foolish words prevail Upon good sense and leadership, When seeking your discipleship. --BB Little Children vs. Our Greed When one looks at the wonder, innocence and trust that shine out of a child's eyes then we, having seen and meditated on this, must wonder at the validity of knowledge and progress. Why is it that as we grow older we seek to possess everything that we see? The first question that we learn to ask as children is, will what we see fulfil our needs and desires. If the answer is yes, then we seek to acquire what we see or in some way duplicate what is seen thereby availing ourselves of the benefit enjoyed by the current owner or possessor. Greed must be the ugliest word in any language. It speaks of the desire to acquire or possess more than is rightfully ours, more than we need for our comfort and wellbeing. If we can find a way of eradicating this word and all its connotations from our understanding then surely we will have found a solution to the great majority of the social ills that beset humanity. So many times we return to the same solution of this problem found in the world of man. Place the needs of another before those that you see as your own. As we grow in knowledge and capability we create more and greater innovations in the name of progress, then we see more and because we see more we desire more. Has progress created monsters out of men and women? Beings that, because they see, they must possess what they see? If we do not progress in knowledge and capability we will regress and eventually become extinct: OR SO WE ARE TOLD. Then men devise great schemes to feed and clothe the needy: to build sufficient housing and to care for the destitute, the sick and the disabled. If we look back at the root causes of these conditions we find that there is a common factor. Greed! To get back to our wondering and innocent child. If that child is not hungry, is clothed and has care and shelter, then there is no complaint. Let's make this our first and greatest ambition; to build a society where the tears of a cold and hungry child are never seen. Let's try thinking of the needs of our neighbour BEFORE we think of ourselves!! Then let's teach others to do the same. --BB Be Well, Jason PS As always, you may access your Metaphysical Library here: http://www.whatismetaphysics.com/metaphysicalbonuses.html (please copy-and-paste this link into your browser if it is not clickable). Note: To read previous issues of this newsletter, please go to