In these modern times, visual access to worldwide social and cultural activities exposes mentality that economic position and social distinction are prominently sought goals, producing a sense that when fame and wealth are attained, all the complex pieces of life fall perfectly in place, giving forth bliss and comfort.
By Raymond Greiner
Think about it, everything you ever wanted a finger’s touch away, all the money you could possibly spend, surrounded by comforts and luxuries scaling the depths of imagination. Is it necessary to emulate royalty to discover a fulfilling and meaningful life? Are the highest points of bliss achieved via fiscal ability?
The most intelligent and happiest people I have ever known was an elderly couple I met in Belize, Central America in 1982. They lived in a cabana and owned a small plot of land on the coast near the fishing village of Placentia, scratching out a modest living from their tropical garden, using only hand tools, and from selling fish caught during daily fishing excursions.
They explained to me how they had learned to embrace basics, growing pineapple, collecting coconuts, mangoes, and catching grouper and lobster. They also schooled me on methods of tropical gardening, which requires different techniques from northern hemisphere gardens. These two embraced each day to the fullest, enjoying busy work intrinsic to their lives, as this couple pursued their self-sufficient life. Many similar people live in Belize, a poor county as things are presently gauged. There is a certain feel to this place; like time travel to an earlier era. Mango Creek is an isolated village with fishing as its main income source, and this village has no electricity, save a generator that powers the fish processing plant in order to freeze fish awaiting transport. They have a 4000-gallon cistern for collecting rainwater; there are no wells, as the village is too near salt water for conventional freshwater wells.
One late afternoon, I watched a group of young boys and girls in an open field playing softball. It was such a joy to observe this; they were having a wonderful time, cheering each other, and laughing. There was no television at that time in Mango Creek and no movie theaters. Entertainment was created using imagination and what was available. One interesting observation during my three months in Belize; I did not see a single obese person. Consumptive glut is nonexistent in Belize.
Ascetic living can open life’s dimension blocked by the blinding lights of materialism forming distraction, causing drift toward excess, as materialistic mentality becomes God like and controlling. Where do we draw the line of separation? What exactly is luxury and comfort? How should financial security be properly defined? Definitions and examples are manifested by social patterns and influences.
I had a good business quarter one particular year, creating a yearning for a certain car that socially reflects success. I purchased the car and in a short time, the intensity of my yearning dissipated, the car came to mean nothing to me other than a manner of getting from point to point. My yearning was created by how I perceived society would judge me, how I would fit into the material imagery design and escalating perceived acceptance within the established social format.
Historically, the world’s most influential teachers, sages and spiritual leaders practiced asceticism. It was the root of their omnipotence, an important energizing force and driving ability to discover spiritual inner awareness, allowing opportunity to impel teaching by example. Jesus displayed anger when the money changers set up business inside the temple. Jesus and Buddha were epitomes of ascetics, and the great Persian poet Rumi, followed an ascetic theme. Mildred Norman, known as the Peace Pilgrim gave up material wealth entirely and walked the highways of North America for nearly 30 years covering in excess of 25,000 miles. Not as protest but as a teaching method of simplistic living as an avenue toward collective peace. Mildred accepted no money on her sojourn, only food and shelter handing out notes of wisdom during her time. Others, like Thoreau, Mother Teresa, and Gandhi and, in his later years, Tolstoy embraced ascetic living. Why is this? Because this is where love and spiritual growth are truly discovered. Ancient cultures harmonized because they lived abreast of nature, and throughout nature asceticism is ingrained. Nature embraces essentials, always seeking only basic needs. Asceticism is where one feels the most profound power and purpose of life.
Thoreau sums it up in two words: “Simplify, simplify.”
About the Author:
Raymond Greiner is a retired businessman. He lives in a beautiful, inspirational place ideal for an old guy to pursue his writing habit. He lives on 14 acres of wooded land in a small cabin off a lightly traveled road. Nature offers him the most inner bliss each day. He loves writing and reading other writers work.
