Money for Monuments

During this pandemic, a Buddhist group solicits for donations for building purposes in the social media, drawing flakes from some. Someone pointed out that Buddha himself shunned the palace, adding that elaborate temples are just wastage, a show off that has no merit. In time of such hardship, it is said that money should be spent on feeding human and animals, and not building stone monuments. Buddha, I read had advices both on the acquiring and use of wealth for the benefit of oneself and others in several texts in the Pali Canon: the Sigalovada Sutta, the Anana Sutta, and the Vyagghapajja Sutta. One's wealth ought to be procured in a wholesome way; and in four portions then be used accordingly: one for his wants, one to be kept for rainy days and two for his businesses. It is consoling to think that the portion kept could be used in difficult time like the pandemic and this portion and the other two portions pertaining to his businesses could perhaps be used to help the unfortunate during this time. Since a person's business covers such a wide spectrum, part of the two portions probably could still be used to build stone monuments, depending on the owner's discretion. Humans, still unenlightened perhaps need a place to turn to, a centre of learning. The artist in him may want a place of art while the sentimental historian may want to look back at a past glory with pride and affirmation.

For contemplation...

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