Blessed Mindful Engagement

At the annual meeting of the American economists, "No one questioned their contribution to the current frightening state of affairs, no one humbled by events." - How the Entire Economics Profession Failed, by Jeff Madrick The Daily Beast, 2009-01-08. The profession can start reorienting itself with asking questions like What would be right (wholesome) view of Economy? The right view of Capital? Wealth? Profit? Currency? Growth? Fair Market? Fair Trade? Interest? Employment? Sustainable Economy? Welfare? Business ethics? Responsibility?

Also watch the PBS Forntline "The Card Game" and the unregulated effects of usury on vulnerable consumers.

Listen to the very inspiring words of Paul Hawken, Author and Inspiration behind WiserEarth
The Buddha mentions five specific kinds of livelihood which bring harm to others and are therefore to be avoided: dealing in weapons, in living beings (including raising animals for slaughter, slave trade, human trafficking and prostitution), in meat production and butchery, in poisons, and in intoxicants (AN 5:177). He further names several dishonest means of gaining wealth which fall under wrong livelihood: practicing deceit, treachery, soothsaying, trickery, and usury (MN 117). The United States expanded its role as the world’s leading weapons supplier. Last year the country signed weapons agreements valued at 68.4 percent of all business in the global arms bazaar reports New York Times


As Of December 16, 2009 U.S. Census estimates world population to be 6.8 Billion. The world military expenditure is over one thousand billion dollars. Also see Stockholm Peace Research Institute Figures. Take a pause to reflect on the significance of Now and the synchronicity at play. "To abstain from all unwholesome action, to cultivate the good, and to purify one's mind — this is the teaching of the Buddhas" (Dhammapada, v. 183).