Everywhere you look, there's compelling evidence that the single-minded
pursuit of wealth often leads smart people to do incredibly stupid things, things
that destroy what money can't buy. How is it that brilliant people with more
money than they'll ever need, allow their hunger for even more money to cause
them to lose everything? How much is enough, and why are people willing to risk
so much to get more? If money is so alluring, how is it that so many people of
great wealth also seem so unhappy?
It's easy to pass judgment from afar on the misdeeds and
missteps of wealthy people in the news. But look in the mirror. What's your
relationship with the pursuit of wealth? How do you think about money and the
meaning of life? For those practicing Buddhism, the pursuit to end suffering is
explained through the teachings as follows. To end suffering, one must cut off
greed and ignorance. This means changing one's views and living in a more
natural and peaceful way. It is like blowing out a candle. The flame of
suffering is put out for good. Buddhists call the state in which all suffering
is ended Nirvana. Nirvana is an everlasting state of great joy and peace. The
Buddha said, "The extinction of desire is Nirvana." This is the
ultimate goal in Buddhism. Everyone can realize it with the help of the
Buddha's teachings. It can be experienced in this very life. The path to end
suffering is known as the Noble Eightfold Path. It is also known as the Middle
Way. Are these teaching applicable in a capitalist system such as that of the
American financial sector? How do we, as citizens view the responsibilities of
those who have accrued vast wealth with society? My position in this posting is
not to take a side on the issue, but rather present the argument and open to
discussion the idea that we should at the very least begin to ask ourselves,
and each other, just how do we define success today.
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