What wealth do you possess? There is a long standing tradition for Buddhist monks to arise each morning very early and set out to collect alms bowls, and go out into their community to collect donations of food, usually merely of rice or curry. Surprisingly though, none of this food is eaten as the monks are typically well stocked at their monastery. Why? This age old tradition is still in existence simply to allow the nearby townspeople to experience the joy of giving. Do you have resources or talent that you can use to help others? By hoarding what you have you not only waste opportunities but also fail to leave any sort of positive mark on the world. You might have money, talent, time, knowledge, or energy, but all of these things should be shared. No one is better off by keeping their wealth—in any form—to themselves.  ¶ Monday, August 07, 2006