“When all the trees have been cut down, when all the animals have been hunted, when all the waters are polluted, when all the air is unsafe to breathe, only then will you discover you cannot eat money.” ~ Cree Indian Prophecy
I often wonder about what this world would be like with the absence of money. And further, not just the absence of it, but without even the slightest thought of its being. This means not only no money, but no comprehension of the word itself. What does this mean? Perhaps no concept of value at all would exist, or worth. But what is worth? Nothing more than a degree of value. And what is value? This, in the sphere of fruit is called desire.
We live in a commercialized world. Life itself is commercialized. Existence is commercialized. We are born into debt that we have no comprehension of. We die leaving our debts behind, in hopes that someone can afford to bury our spent bodies. This existence of pennies is brought about by the human animal, in his desire for “things.”
Things are simply objects. We place value on these objects. We work for things; for objects. And yet we all die with our things by our side, on our shelves, only unable to take them with us. They either collect dust when we’ve gone, or become someone else’s “property.” The clinging to things is what creates our separation from divinity. We should learn to un-cling.
These objects we cling to so tightly, when viewed at the highest level of consciousness are nothing more than lumps of matter in various forms. They all contain a variety of properties and an array of colors, setting them apart from other objects. We also view these things in terms of usefulness. But then, our degree of usefulness is another degree of worth… and that again is another degree of value. To a sage, a lump of clay would be more useful than a bar of gold. But to a person of high wisdom, a rock, a lump of clay and a bar of gold hold no difference whatsoever. He knows this because he doesn’t cling to any of them. They simply exist alongside him as does everything else.
I’m reminded of the Bhagavad Gita many times, and its many references to the clinging nature of men. All men cling to something. Whether this is fame, fortune and glory, or lust, envy, and greed. Some cling to love, others to darkness. When we learn to let go of all of these things, whether physical in nature or intangible in thought, we then perhaps may see the truth of the universe; the truth of what divine spirit truly is.
We do not fight for the divine spirit in this commercialized world… But we fight for resources, we fight for land and we fight for “religious” freedom. But these things, these objects of desire, cause our own demise. To some they may be noble ventures, to further the value and prosperity of the nation. To me they are fruits of desire, and when eaten will continue the cycle of gluttony.
Try walking about without seeing anything that you “want”, or an attention grabbing advertisement enticing you to spend your money on some “thing” that you’re now convinced that you “need.” This is nearly an impossible task. Even while walking around the natural world, free from the billboards and lights of the city, we will come across objects that we “want.” Whether this be a rock or a sapling, or even an animal to be “kept” for a pet.
In the sphere of fruits we learn how we truly see the world. We don’t see the light of others shining in unison with our own, we only see the reward for our efforts; the objects of our desire; the fruits of our labor. But what is our labor? Does it define us?
Try this: Ever thought of working for free? Because you simply enjoy what you do? Doing a work for no compensation whatsoever? Ever imagine a world where nobody is paid for any effort? This to many is a concept so foreign that it cannot be fathomed.
Enjoy the sphere of fruits while you can, but remember they and this entire world would be better enjoyed without wanting; free from desire. What we take from the world, we only take from ourselves.
In all spheres, the idea of “mine” should become a foreign concept to a wise man.
Happy Labor Day
HeartSphere 
words of wisdom,its been said that we are the only species on the planet that has to pay to be here,we need to change that focus if we could get together on it,namaste
Very true.. we pay to exist. I almost used that exact phrase. Hope all is well. Namaste
I agree that avarice and commercialism is a big problem.
I don’t think, though, that lacking the concept of money would make any difference to that. It’s basic human (and animal) nature to want what our neighbor possesses, whether it is an elaborate mansion or the fruit he has climbed to the top of a tree to acquire for his supper.
I think it is a part of the individual’s personal growth to overcome that avarice. I do not believe society as a whole will ever be capable of it.
Perhaps not. Overcoming this avarice, or a desire for any vice should be an individual pursuit, and taught from birth in order to set foot on the path of absolving one’s self from temptations and desires. Lack of the concept of value in itself is a different approach, not simply the absence of money. But to think of this requires shattering the gestalt of human behavior as we know it. Could this ever be attained in our evolution as human beings? Maybe one day.
I meant to say this is wonderful I think about this all the time. The relevance of value in general really. But it would take a rude awakening to change this.
Thank you. Very much so..It would take a spiritual revolution in the hearts and minds of every living person. I like to think it is possible, someday.
It is possible, that I know. At some point in time it didn’t even exist. But it would take such a movement like a modern utopia or something like a dictatorship that takes values away. It’s possible with the right leaders and right mindset.
Nicely said. I have pondered before what the world would have been like had the first man never invented the concept of money. In fact I don’t even know how they found the way to distribute it and to convince everyone it’s worth something !
Thank you, and..That’s a very interesting question! I would love to know the answer!
I agree. The hardest part has to be surrounding yourself with like-minded people. Most everyone has become a minion to commercialism. For those who look the other way, where do we find others seeking the same direction? I just don’t know.
-Elana
Really great reading! Awesome concept. Having done a Vipassana meditation course, the theme being letting go of attachment, this really recalled a lot of that for me. May your words inspire others not just to act, but to be unattached and cling to nothing. 🙂
Thank you very much 🙂 Vipassana is a very disciplined undertaking, and one of my favorite buddhist meditations. If you haven’t already, check into the Samkhya philosophic teachings, it opens the mind, and the heart to great possibilities and other, similiar, meditations.
Ah, but we are writers and, as we all know, most writers write for love since there’s rarely any money in it! It’s an experiment we’ve been living forever now haven’t we?
Absolutely! I was hoping someone would grasp the concept of working for love 🙂
It is hard sometimes for most people to replace the idea of “mine” with “ours”. The only thing that I should consider mine is my responsibility to others. So glad you liked “Question of Reputation – 7” on papermudandme.wordpress.com. Thanks for letting me know. Aloha – pjs.
“…learn to uncling…” I’ve read a lot of Buddhist and other philosophies but don’t think I ever heard it in exactly those words. Great way to put!
In today’s world the concept of “working for free” is lost in many aspects. Many do not have the means to do what they love for less or free, so they do what they are ok with for as much as they can. I am blessed that my husband does what he is talented at and I get to do what I love for free. I volunteer at my children’s sports team and I volunteer as staff at my church. It is a lot of work on top of parenting, but it is what God has called me to and I accept and love it most days. I have done this “work” for many years, knowing that if God called me to it, He will provide for it. Our year has arrived in full force! God has placed our family on the heart of another family who has been blessed with the means to retire and still be able to work. So they have basically begun remodeling our house! They said that God has given them the means and the talent and that is what we are called to do here – help each other when we are able. They have spent thousands of dollars and will spend thousands more as the month continues. I have never seen such generosity from people without wanting something in return. They give because they have been given much.
“And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.” – This is the Church in it’s truest form. God bless you this fine day.
It’s a joy to read from start to finish . This piece brought to my mind two truths stated by Prophet Muhammad may peace be upon him ,but ignored by many :
1- Prophet Muhammad may peace be upon him said :” If son of Adam were to own two valley of gold,he would desire to have two.”
2- Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Three (things) follow a dead person: Members of his family, his property and his deeds. Two of them return; and one remains with him. The people and his wealth return; his deeds remain with him”. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Thanks for sharing =)
Thank you 🙂 Add a very important piece of wisdom that you have shared as well. I wish that more people would understand that message. Best wishes to you 🙂
Thanks =)
Reblogged this on Keeping Up With Leanne. and commented:
One of my favourite quotes. It really brings out the tree-hugger in me 😛