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Poor people

betaboybetaboy Veteran
edited March 2012 in Buddhism Basics
I hate it when poor people toil, starve, and suffer. As a Buddhist, do I take comfort in the fact that these people will get better births in the next life?

Comments

  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    As a Buddhist, you try to organize an economic development project for them, or you try to attract the attention of an organization that does that sort of work. Just my opinion. :D
  • BekenzeBekenze
    edited March 2012
    Great post, Dakini. Great post. I'd say that echos the Buddha's words.
  • AMHAMH
    I agree with Dakini, we all need to make a living however there are so many ways to support people who struggle regardless of your employment. I do not give money on the street however I work in the field of helping. I believe Dakini also has a background in the helping type jobs.

    If you do nothing else treat them as people who are not victims but survivors with their own strengths. I have seen many times that the larger culture may judge an ethnic culture for difference instead of looking for strengths. In one case a white American friend married to an Indian (Asian Indian, not native) had expressed an opinion about the hispanic workers in her area. She was not trying to be judgmental but she did not understand why they missed work and were at risk of being in trouble because they had to spend days away for a grandfather passing away. I pointed out that they valued time with family very much where her husbands family valued making money to support family. There was no right or wrong, but understanding helps very much.

    Poor are just people too, just treat them as people, follow good practices in your work and take opportunities to help who crosses your path.
  • betaboybetaboy Veteran
    Thanks, but my question was: do I take comfort in the fact that these people will get better births next time?
  • MX_83MX_83 Explorer
    edited March 2012
    Why are you seeking comfort? Is there nothing you can do? Charity is one of the six paramitas. If you have nothing to give, (or even if you do,) teach them something about Buddhism.
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    Open. If you see someone you are scared of, open. We work from where we are and your own personal rug's coming out anyways. Buy stuff which helps the economy, but also donate as you can. Examine your thoughts. What a wonder? They are not all you have to work with because they are ever changing. Open.
  • mfranzdorfmfranzdorf Veteran
    Thanks, but my question was: do I take comfort in the fact that these people will get better births next time?
    They could get worse births as well, right?
  • Invincible_summerInvincible_summer Heavy Metal Dhamma We(s)t coast, Canada Veteran
    Thanks, but my question was: do I take comfort in the fact that these people will get better births next time?
    I think that's up to you.
  • seeker242seeker242 Zen Florida, USA Veteran
    IMO, you take comfort in volunteering at a food shelter helping to feed them so they don't starve. :)
  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    edited March 2012
    IMO, you take comfort in volunteering at a food shelter helping to feed them so they don't starve. :)
    Yes, you take comfort in practicing compassion, or in being the agent for positive social change.

    And the fact is, you don't know what kind of rebirth they're going to have. You don't know their history in this life, nor their past lives. Some could be up for a worse re-birth. So do what you can for them now. Seize the moment.

  • patbbpatbb Veteran
    my opinion is

    as a Buddhist, you try to free yourself from craving.
    craving which lead to suffering, and led to our current society which destroy the world out of greed.
    try to free yourself and grow spiritually so you can inspire and influence people to change their ways and let go of their craving themselves.

    As a humanist, you can volunteer, get into politic, get involved with good causes.
  • zombiegirlzombiegirl beating the drum of the lifeless in a dry wasteland Veteran
    I see so many homeless people, it's ridiculous. I usually don't give them money though. This is dependent on the vibe I get. If I get the vibe that they are a drug addict, I won't give them anything. Once I gave a woman a generic visa gift card with like 20 bucks on it after we had a conversation about her abusive ex husband and how she ended up at a shelter.
    I do give food if I have anything with me though and if they are performing, I usually give them a dollar or so. There was this AWESOME guy in a wheelchair performing some blues outside of my grocery store the other day. Definitely gave him some money. It was so good I thought it was a recording at first.
  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    Oh, right. You're in Detroit. I read recently that the economy is beginning to pick up in Detroit. A factory opened, or re-opened, and hired a bunch of people.
    I see so many homeless people, it's ridiculous.
    Good street musicians can make pretty good money. They really bring joy to people.

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