After our basic needs are met, then what becomes important?
I was giving this question some thought today after listening to another Gil Fronsdal dharma talk.
In it he discusses the “4 requisites” which is what all humans need to feel safe and healthy. And those 4 requisites are: enough food to live, shelter, adequate clothing, and medicine.
These 4 requisites can be met quite simply. They key though is what becomes important after these basics are met.
Is it important to you to get a bigger house? A better car? A more important job?
Personally I believe that once these basic needs are met, there are 2 important factors to build our lives on – caring for others, and caring for ourselves.
By focusing on our own egos and trying to pursue “more” and “greater” we are just leading ourselves to greater disharmony. Whereas by concentrating on others, and others happiness, we inadvertently find our own happiness.
And it’s a happiness as a result of a life of service and selflessness.
There is so much good we can do in the world, by living a life of kindness and compassion.
Once our basic needs are met, and we are safe and healthy, I believe it’s time to start giving ourselves to helping others, and making a difference in the world.
istopforsuffering 
Pingback: Day 63 | The Monastery Within
This was lovely, I completely agree. The pursuit of a purposeful life is so much more gratifying.
Thank you so much Raimy!! :-).
The other day I was considering how much more at-ease I feel when I embrace a compassionate outlook towards life, well written!
Thank you so much for that lovely comment Nate :-). Blessings, Meg
Wisdom.
Russ
Thank you Russ 🙂 _/|\_