One of my most memorable moments was in front of the great temple at Bodh Gaya, India. I had brought a large sack of fruit from the market for the beggars. As I handed it out a large crowd of stretching hands materialized in front of me. I gave the last piece to an old woman, and as I did, I met the eyes of a beautiful young beggar woman. I had nothing left to give her. We looked into each other’s eyes for a moment, and there was a mutual understanding. I still remember her eyes.

It is easy to imagine the Buddha coming out of his father’s palace in Nepal, and discovering sickness, suffering, and death in the surrounding countryside. The realities that caused him to discover his four noble truths are still there. But they are here in wealthy America also.

There is great wealth in Nepal. Many smiling faces. It is not necessarily a benefit to export our lifestyle without an intimate understanding of its impact.
 
 

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