Daily Metta for March 10:

“Civilization, in the real sense of the term, consists not in the multiplication, but in the deliberate and voluntary reduction of wants.”

–Gandhi (Mind of Mahatma Gandhi, p. 189)

There is nothing wrong with having what we need to live well, and even thrive. Gandhi’s concern, however, is that consumerism, or the multiplication of our wants, only makes us more insecure and dependent on others. He wants to encourage us in every way possible to liberate ourselves from the false belief that we need to be fulfilled by consuming things, when what really makes us secure are deep, caring relationships. The less I want to grasp onto things and people as though my security depended on them, the greater will be my awareness of the needs of others as well as the true nature of happiness. As the Buddha said, “no sorrow can come to those who do not try to possess things or people as their own.”  Simplicity all around, in our thoughts, words and deeds, points the way forward in nonviolence.

Experiment in Nonviolence:

The next time you want to buy something, ask yourself if you really need it or if it is offering a false promise of security. Decide if you still want to buy it. 🙂

Daily Metta 2015, a service of the Metta Center for Nonviolence, is a daily reflection on the strategic and spiritual insights of Mahatma Gandhi in thought, word and deed. As Gandhi called his life an “experiment in truth,” we have included an experiment in nonviolence to accompany each Daily Metta. Check in every day for new inspiration. Each year will be dedicated to another wisdom teacher.