global coalition for peace. netaparigraha economics 1 global coalition for peace presents...

1Global Coalition for Peace. net Aparigraha Economics

Global Coalition for PeaceGlobal Coalition for Peace

presentpresentss

““APARIGRAHA” APARIGRAHA” (non-possessiveness)non-possessiveness)

A New Economic Paradigm For A New Economic Paradigm For A Culture of PeaceA Culture of Peace


“ “ IF WE DO NOT MAKE A PEACEFUL REVOLUTION POSSIBLE, WE WILL MAKE A VIOLENT REVOLUTION INEVITABLE.” President John F. KennedyPresident John F. Kennedy

No Economic, Political, Military Or Any OtherNo Economic, Political, Military Or Any OtherSystem Will Bring Peace And Prosperity To The System Will Bring Peace And Prosperity To The

World; Only A World; Only A Rising Level Of ConsciousnessRising Level Of Consciousness Of Of HumanityHumanity Through The Pursuit of Truth Can Through The Pursuit of Truth Can

Bring About This Transformation.Bring About This Transformation. Essene Brother hood/AparigrahaEssene Brother hood/Aparigraha


““EVERY GUN THAT IS MADE, EVERY WARSHIP LAUNCHED, EVERY EVERY GUN THAT IS MADE, EVERY WARSHIP LAUNCHED, EVERY ROCKET FIRED SIGNIFIES, IN THE FINAL SENSE, A THEFT FROM ROCKET FIRED SIGNIFIES, IN THE FINAL SENSE, A THEFT FROM THOSE WHO HUNGER AND ARE NOT FED, THOSE WHO ARE COLD THOSE WHO HUNGER AND ARE NOT FED, THOSE WHO ARE COLD AND ARE NOT CLOTHED. AND ARE NOT CLOTHED. THIS WORLD IN ARMS IS NOT SPENDING MONEY ALONE, IT IS THIS WORLD IN ARMS IS NOT SPENDING MONEY ALONE, IT IS SPENDING THE SWEAT OF ITS LABORERS, THE GENIUS OF ITS SPENDING THE SWEAT OF ITS LABORERS, THE GENIUS OF ITS SCIENTISTS, THE HOPES OF ITS CHILDREN. UNDER THE CLOUD OF SCIENTISTS, THE HOPES OF ITS CHILDREN. UNDER THE CLOUD OF THREATENING WAR, IT IS HUMANITY HANGING FROM A CROSS OF THREATENING WAR, IT IS HUMANITY HANGING FROM A CROSS OF IRON.IRON. “ “ President Dwight D. EisenhowerPresident Dwight D. Eisenhower

““IN THE COUNCILS OF GOVERNMENT, WE IN THE COUNCILS OF GOVERNMENT, WE MUST GUARD AGAINST THE ACQUISITION MUST GUARD AGAINST THE ACQUISITION

OF UNWARRANTED INFLUENCE, OF UNWARRANTED INFLUENCE, WHETHER SOUGHT OR UNSOUGHT BY WHETHER SOUGHT OR UNSOUGHT BY THE MILITARY/INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX. THE MILITARY/INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX. THE POTENTIAL FOR THE DISASTROUS THE POTENTIAL FOR THE DISASTROUS

RISE OF MISPLACED POWER EXISTS AND RISE OF MISPLACED POWER EXISTS AND WILL PERSISTWILL PERSIST.”.”


Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice announced a new multibillion dollar military sales package:

The new sales to Arab countries, notably Saudi Arabia, would be counterbalanced with a more than 25 percent increase in military aid to

Israel over the next 10 years, enabling the Jewish state to keep its military advantage over neighbors with whom it has no peace deal.

Weapons Sales and “Military Weapons Sales and “Military Assistance”Assistance”

From Associated PressFrom Associated Press JJuly 30, 2007uly 30, 2007

Israel will receive a total of $30 billion in U.S. Israel will receive a total of $30 billion in U.S. military assistance while Egypt, which along with military assistance while Egypt, which along with Jordan has made peace with Israel, will get $13 Jordan has made peace with Israel, will get $13

billion as part of the broader packagebillion as part of the broader package


……A NATION THAT CONTINUES YEAR AFTER YEAR TO SPEND A NATION THAT CONTINUES YEAR AFTER YEAR TO SPEND MORE MONEY ON MILITARY DEFENSE THAN ON PROGRAMS MORE MONEY ON MILITARY DEFENSE THAN ON PROGRAMS OF SOCIAL UPLIFT IS APPROACHING SPIRITUAL DEATH.”OF SOCIAL UPLIFT IS APPROACHING SPIRITUAL DEATH.”

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

““I KNOW NOT WITH WHAT WEAPONS WORLD I KNOW NOT WITH WHAT WEAPONS WORLD WAR III WILL BE FOUGHT, BUT WORLD WAR IV WAR III WILL BE FOUGHT, BUT WORLD WAR IV WILL BE FOUGHT WITH STONE CLUBSWILL BE FOUGHT WITH STONE CLUBS..””

Professor Albert EinsteinProfessor Albert Einstein

““I KNEW THAT I COULD NEVER AGAIN RAISE I KNEW THAT I COULD NEVER AGAIN RAISE MY VOICE AGAINST THE VIOLENCE OF THE MY VOICE AGAINST THE VIOLENCE OF THE OPPRESSED IN THE GHETTOS WITHOUT OPPRESSED IN THE GHETTOS WITHOUT HAVING FIRST SPOKEN CLEARLY TO THE HAVING FIRST SPOKEN CLEARLY TO THE GREATEST PURVEYOR OF VIOLENCE IN THE GREATEST PURVEYOR OF VIOLENCE IN THE WORLD TODAY -- MY OWN GOVERNMENT…WORLD TODAY -- MY OWN GOVERNMENT…

We are at a crossroads, having come full circle from T.E. We are at a crossroads, having come full circle from T.E. Lawrence’s Lawrence’s

prophetic words of World War I-- back in the Middle East, this time prophetic words of World War I-- back in the Middle East, this time facing the reality of these warnings.facing the reality of these warnings.

It is thus undeniable that economics as practiced is the instrument It is thus undeniable that economics as practiced is the instrument of of

empire building; seen in this light, it becomes an imperative to empire building; seen in this light, it becomes an imperative to revisit revisit

economics with emphasis on the prevalent systems. economics with emphasis on the prevalent systems. This paradigm intends to introduce spirituality and elements This paradigm intends to introduce spirituality and elements

conducive to raising the level of consciousness and providing a conducive to raising the level of consciousness and providing a road map for real road map for real

peace through non-violence.peace through non-violence.

"We may be passing into an economic stage, "We may be passing into an economic stage, in in which wars and governments will be mainly which wars and governments will be mainly businesses...The economic motive may yet businesses...The economic motive may yet rank rank with religion and nationality in with religion and nationality in destructiveness.” destructiveness.” T.E. T.E. LawrenceLawrence


Stage I:Stage I:

Theory of the New ParadigmTheory of the New Paradigm

Part 1:Part 1: The Need for a ParadigmThe Need for a Paradigm ShiftShift Part 2: Core Part 2: Core Principles Principles Part 3: Spirituality and EconomicsPart 3: Spirituality and Economics


2. A paradigm must prove its assertions are viable and demonstrate that it can deliver

theenvisioned results.

Parameters of this Parameters of this Paradigm:Paradigm:

1. No economic system intended for the benefit of the collectivity can or should be imposed. It must be embraced by people based on the content of

its message.

3. A system must rest on historic background, and be bold enough to sustain a vision of

untreaded paths.


Both systems

Turn societies into economies of war (over resources, expansionism, etc.) Leads to overt

and covert suppression of personal and collective freedoms.

Why We Must Redefine Why We Must Redefine EconomicsEconomics

The Prevailing Materialistic Systems:

Capitalist/Free Market Economy Supply and demand create distorted values - Needs and

wants perceived as unlimited -Fuels ever increasing competition and consumerism/greed - Competition leads

to violence.Communist Economy

State Capitalism - Spirituality actively suppressed - Diversity and uniqueness are not appreciated. Leads to abuse of power,

corruption and massive resentment.


Present Systems New Paradigm

MaterialismMaterialism

Human-made Human-made LawsLaws

Spirituality and Spirituality and MaterialismMaterialism

Natural,Spiritual,Cosmic Natural,Spiritual,Cosmic LawsLaws

Stimulates

baser instincts: hoarding,

greed, violence, abuse of power.

Cultivates

higher levels of consciousness: love, non-violence, cooperation,

compassion

The Necessary Shift in The Necessary Shift in ConsciousnessConsciousness


Why Spirituality As A ComponentWhy Spirituality As A Component??

To understand reality and be able to conduct our lives to a proper To understand reality and be able to conduct our lives to a proper end and understand the purpose of our existence we must end and understand the purpose of our existence we must

recognize that there is another dimension or world even more real recognize that there is another dimension or world even more real than the physicalthan the physical

Even materialistic science has recognized and accepted the Even materialistic science has recognized and accepted the existence of existence of subtle forcessubtle forces that can not be perceived by our senses: that can not be perceived by our senses:

(i.e. x-rays, laser, radio waves )(i.e. x-rays, laser, radio waves )

Economics, as every other area of human activity, needs to Economics, as every other area of human activity, needs to incorporate the spiritual aspect that will bring it in line with natural, incorporate the spiritual aspect that will bring it in line with natural,

spiritual, and cosmic laws,spiritual, and cosmic laws, to deny it is to live a half truth.to deny it is to live a half truth.

How we earn our living and what kind of economic How we earn our living and what kind of economic relationships we engage in determines the kind of world relationships we engage in determines the kind of world

we choose to live in.we choose to live in.


Right LivelihoodRight Livelihood byby E.F. SchumacherE.F. Schumacher

…….“Right livelihood" is one of the requirements of the .“Right livelihood" is one of the requirements of the Buddha’s noble eightfold path. It is clear, therefore, that Buddha’s noble eightfold path. It is clear, therefore, that

there must be such a thing as Buddhist economics.there must be such a thing as Buddhist economics.

Economists themselves, like most specialists, normally Economists themselves, like most specialists, normally suffer from a kind of metaphysical blindness, assuming suffer from a kind of metaphysical blindness, assuming that theirs is a science of absolute and invariable truths, that theirs is a science of absolute and invariable truths, without any presuppositions. Some go as far as to claim without any presuppositions. Some go as far as to claim that economic laws are as free from "metaphysics" or that economic laws are as free from "metaphysics" or

"values" as the law of gravitation…"values" as the law of gravitation…

Every individual of society must be givenEvery individual of society must be given the opportunity to earn their:the opportunity to earn their:

Right Livelihood --work which causes no harm or Right Livelihood --work which causes no harm or degradation, nor is useless to society.degradation, nor is useless to society.


Consider:Consider:

Human suffering and environmental Human suffering and environmental destruction should not be the result of destruction should not be the result of

economic activities.economic activities.

Uphold:Uphold:

Respect towards all sentient beings and Respect towards all sentient beings and all aspects of creation.all aspects of creation.

Replace:Replace:

Current exploitation and degradation with Current exploitation and degradation with equality, dignity and evolution.equality, dignity and evolution.

An Economic System MustAn Economic System Must


Our Definition of Aparigraha Our Definition of Aparigraha EconomicsEconomics

Aparigraha Economics is a normative social science that studies social behavior seeking means to provide for the satisfaction of universal, finite needs and specific, limited wants. This is in order to ensure the happiness of all human beings based on their spiritual, physical, mental, emotional and psychological make-up.

Economics as a spiritual and material science guides the allocation of the planet’s abundant, natural, material, manufactured and human resources to enable people to live productive, happy and meaningful lives in cooperation and to act as stewards of the planet and responsible members of society.


Basic TenetsBasic Tenets


We propose to substitute these We propose to substitute these death supporting principles for life death supporting principles for life

affirmingaffirming ones: ones: abundance, abundance, cooperation, right motivation, and cooperation, right motivation, and

solidarity based exchangesolidarity based exchange..

The foundation of present The foundation of present economic theory : economic theory : scarcity, scarcity,

competition, incentives & free competition, incentives & free marketmarket are essentially of a are essentially of a

destructive nature.destructive nature.


ScarcityScarcityBASED ON FEARBASED ON FEAR

Scarcity being the basis of the economic system inevitably brings suffering to the world.

We must understand also how the power of thought influences and causes destructive outcomes.

Aparigraha replacesAparigraha replaces

ScarcityScarcity


WithWith

AbundanceAbundance BASED ON TRUSTBASED ON TRUST

The term abundance should not be

confused with excess or unlimited

satisfaction of wants. Mother Nature’s

abundance provides enough for

everybody’s needs, not anybody’s greed. Abundance


CompetitionCompetitionTHERE IS ALWAYS A LOSER.THERE IS ALWAYS A LOSER.

When we compete, thinking there is scarcity of resources, we tend to hoard and to take from other people – when

this becomes endemic the outcome is WAR.


CompetitiCompetitionon


CooperationCooperation

EVERYBODY WINSEVERYBODY WINS

Collective work yields a higher output than individual work.

When this becomes a practice, harmonyEnsues; love and solidarity flourish.

WitWithh

CooperatioCooperationn


IncentivesIncentivesSTIMULATE GREEDSTIMULATE GREED

When the will is stimulated by a self-serving interest, the goal of fulfillment for all will not be reached, and the gap between those who have and those who have not widens. IncentivesIncentives



“Dharma”

Righteousness

Gandhi

Responsible actions

Peace Pilgrim

Right Right MotivationMotivation

CONCERN FOR ALLCONCERN FOR ALL The soul-force must be the motivating impulse. When this highest call of the soul summons the will to act, it results in actions beneficial

to the planet and to all human beings.

WithWith


Aparigraha ReplacesAparigraha Replaces

Free marketFree marketSWEAT SHOPSSWEAT SHOPS

System based on man-made regulations and laws encourages manipulation to attain increasing profit for the few at the expense of the many.

Unsustainable growth destroys livelihood of people and the planet.

Sweat ShopsSweat Shops


Solidarity based Solidarity based exchangeexchange

withwith

Respect for Natural, Spiritual, and Cosmic Laws is the basis of Solidarity based exchange,

that creates satisfactory economic conditions for all

people. This means generating work and income, abolishing all

forms of exploitation, domination and exclusion, protecting ecosystems and

promoting sustainable development.

TRADE BASED ON VALUESTRADE BASED ON VALUES


Spirituality Spirituality

and Economicsand Economics


The Source of this new Paradigm The Source of this new Paradigm isis

Basic Tenets are:Basic Tenets are:• Physical world is not the only reality• All people possess the capacity to know higher

reality• Developing this capacity is the purpose of existence • Body is temporal, spirit is eternal

The PerennialThe Perennial PhilosophyPhilosophy

Is the basis for all World Religions like Christianity, Judaism, Islam, etc. and of all Natural and Spiritual Sciences in the East, i.e. Yoga, Buddhism, Taoism

etc. Affirms Unity in Diversity, says we are all unique individuals, but same Spirit within.


World Religions Preach on World Religions Preach on EconomicsEconomics ::The duty of those who have is to share with those who have

less. Generosity is upheld, greed is strongly condemned.

Human life is not only material.All material goods are in trust from a Higher Power.

(One new “religion” does not share these values as we will see.)

““Judaism, Christianity & Islam prohibit taking of interest.” Bernard Lietaer

BuddhismThe Five Precepts: "Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression…. I will practice generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need.”Judaism (Torah, Writings & Prophets): Deuteronomy 15: 7-14: “Thou shalt open thine hand wide to thy brother…”Hinduism (Bhagavad-Gita)Chapter 16: “The demoniac man knows no limit to his desire to acquire money. Anyone who comes into competition with such a …man is his enemy …Therefore there is constant strife, war and enmity all over the world.” Christianity (New Testament)Luke 3:11: “He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none…” Islam (Qur’an)Surat 64: 15-16 “Spend in charity for the benefit of your own Soul.”


The God of The New “Religion”The God of The New “Religion”: :

MONEYMONEY

Money in the right context can be a Tool for Money in the right context can be a Tool for GoodGood !!

Re-orient investment from Weapons,Technology and Luxuries and give priority to Essential Needs

Pay Fair Prices For Food

From Capitalism has emerged this new religion with the Financial Institutions as its cathedrals and the

wealthiest of the wealthiest as its High Priests; this religion, whose practices are the worship of

materialism and its deity “money,” has accomplished-- in the words of E.F. Schumacher-- in three decades what conventional religions have not been able to accomplish in more than 2000 years: that is, the

conversion-- conscious or unconscious-- of the majority of the population of the planet (unconscious because

deceit is its preferred practice.)


Thomas Jefferson 1802Thomas Jefferson 1802

"I believe that banking institutions are more "I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."continent their fathers conquered."


STAGE IISTAGE IIYOGA the CatalystYOGA the Catalyst


Deep Ecology - Arne Naess•Deep ecological awareness recognizes the fundamental interdependence of all phenomena and the fact that as individuals and societies, we are all embedded in (and ultimately dependent on) the cyclical process of nature.

•It is spiritual or religious awareness. When the concept of the human spirit is understood as the mode of consciousness in which the individual feels a sense of belonging, of connectedness to the cosmos as a whole, it becomes clear that it is spiritual in its deepest sense.

•It is, therefore, not surprising that the emerging new vision of reality based on deep ecological awareness is consistent with the so-called perennial philosophy of spiritual traditions, whether we talk about the spirituality of Christian Mystics, that of Buddhists, or the philosophy and cosmology underlying the Native American Tradition.

Fritjof Capra


The Catalyst used for the Paradigm The Catalyst used for the Paradigm ShiftShiftYOGYOG

AAYoga is not a religion based on belief,faith,or dogma,a mere fitness regime or the “only path.”

As an exact experiential spiritual science, enables us to recognize and work with subtle,spiritual/ cosmic forces that are

operating in us and the environment; the application of its principles led

us to develop an alternative to the prevailing economic systems.


Yoga:Yoga:

Maharishi Patanjali’s famous Yoga Sutras’ Eight Limbs or steps:

Yamas & Niyamas, (ethical disciplines) Asanas (postures), Pranayama (control of prana), Pratyahara

(control of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), Samadhi (enlightenment)

YamasYamas and and NiyamasNiyamas, are the , are the foundation and guiding principles foundation and guiding principles

for societal and economic for societal and economic relationships to create the world of relationships to create the world of

happiness that we all long for.happiness that we all long for.

What are they?What are they?


YAMAS YAMAS ::

AHIMSAAHIMSA (non-violence)(non-violence) Violence is the coward’s weapon.

SATYASATYA (truthfulness)(truthfulness) Trust in each other is the basis of solidarity, the realization that we are all ONE.

ASTEYAASTEYA (non-stealing) (non-stealing) Accumulation of wealth is taking away from those is need.

BRAHMACHARYABRAHMACHARYA (self-restraint)(self-restraint) Without this practice justice will never prevail.

APARIGRAHAAPARIGRAHA (non-greed) (non-greed) Greed destroys the humanity within and humanity as a whole.


NIYAMAS:NIYAMAS:

SAUCHASAUCHA (puritypurity) Is the removal of obstacles in all areas of our existence.

SANTOSHASANTOSHA (contentmentcontentment) Correct understanding of abundance. Not excess, but what is necessary.

TAPASTAPAS (austeritiesausterities) Is the development of discipline through the use of will power.

SWADYAYASWADYAYA (self-knowledgeself-knowledge) Recognize our limitations so we can overcome them, and realize our true nature.

ISHWARA PRANIDHANA ISHWARA PRANIDHANA (surrender to Godsurrender to God)

Learn the correct interpretation of THE LAW..


The goal of human activity beyond The goal of human activity beyond survival is joy; this can not be attained in survival is joy; this can not be attained in

the absence of Love. Therefore True the absence of Love. Therefore True Love must be a fundamental component Love must be a fundamental component of all human and economic endeavors; of all human and economic endeavors;

Love permeating all human activity Love permeating all human activity therefore becomestherefore becomes

THE LAW, of which ancient wisdom speaks.

All religions share the theory, what is missing is the practice.

Yoga provides the practical tools.

The The LawLaw


Only after the last tree has been cut down Only after the last river has been poisoned Only after the last fish has been caught

Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.

Cree Prophecy

STAGE IIISTAGE III

A globalized worldA globalized worldNeedsNeeds

globalized answersglobalized answers

FOOD & FOOD & LAND: LAND:

Restoring the Restoring the commonscommons


““THE DAY THAT HUNGER IS THE DAY THAT HUNGER IS ERADICATED FROM THE EARTH, ERADICATED FROM THE EARTH, THERE WILL BE THE GREATEST THERE WILL BE THE GREATEST

SPIRITUAL EXPLOSION THE SPIRITUAL EXPLOSION THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN. WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN.

HUMANITY CANNOT IMAGINE THE HUMANITY CANNOT IMAGINE THE JOY THAT WILL BURST INTO THE JOY THAT WILL BURST INTO THE

WORLD ON THE DAY OF THAT WORLD ON THE DAY OF THAT GREAT REVOLUTION."GREAT REVOLUTION."

--Federico Garcia Lorca, Spanish poet 1899---Federico Garcia Lorca, Spanish poet 1899-19361936


Initial stepsInitial stepsThis paradigm considers that it is imperative to revisit This paradigm considers that it is imperative to revisit the present trend of destruction of farmland by means the present trend of destruction of farmland by means

of urban development and agricultural malpractice, of urban development and agricultural malpractice, that is a reflection of the overall destructive societal that is a reflection of the overall destructive societal trend as shown in medicine and business practices.trend as shown in medicine and business practices.

Since food is a fundamental necessity and it depends on Since food is a fundamental necessity and it depends on land, that is our main concern for an economic land, that is our main concern for an economic

alternativealternative..

A spiritual base for all societal approaches to life A spiritual base for all societal approaches to life is necessary to avoid the total destruction of the is necessary to avoid the total destruction of the

planet.planet.


. 3. ShelterAdequate for each climatic condition, using local resources for materials and labor,

simple and easy to replace, using human inventiveness to cooperate with nature, not subdue it. Stimulating cleanliness, order and inspiration for creative endeavors.

Basic Needs for All People Basic Needs for All People are:are:

1. FOOD1. FOODNot only the quantity & quality of food, but the consciousness with which it is Not only the quantity & quality of food, but the consciousness with which it is

growngrown,,handled and usedhandled and used, , with respect for Mother Naturewith respect for Mother Nature and the spiritual forcesand the spiritual forces

in it.in it.

2. ClothingPractical, simple to manufacture and maintain, avoid becoming a source of

competition, functional in the sense that the value of the human being is measured by its being

not byits coverings.


Life is a Manifestation of Spiritual Life is a Manifestation of Spiritual ForcesForces

Food Food Depends on Agriculture: this determines the relationship of man to nature that is the source of his body to experience

LIFELIFEOUR MOST PRECIOUS POSSESSIONOUR MOST PRECIOUS POSSESSION

These spiritual/cosmic forces act upon us and the food plants. All tissues of which our body is made depend for their constant replacement (at a cellular level) on the raw material that is

provided by the food.Life’s quality ultimately depends onLife’s quality ultimately depends on

physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual Health this has a direct relationship with Food that requires LANDLAND


American Indian Chief SeattleAmerican Indian Chief Seattle..

"The President in Washington "The President in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy sends word that he wishes to buy our land. But how can you buy or our land. But how can you buy or sell the sky? the land? The idea is sell the sky? the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?buy them?

The notionThe notion of the sacrednessof the sacredness and integrity and integrity of the land has been constant throughout of the land has been constant throughout history to indigenous people around the history to indigenous people around the

world, it is better expressed in the words ofworld, it is better expressed in the words of


The present Capitalist System, with its privatization trend, trickle-down theory, and

dependence-producing foreign debt, does not provide security for the people of the world, but

instills fear and despondency.

The Aparigraha Paradigm says:The Aparigraha Paradigm says:Sound Agriculture renders Sound Economy

If Basic Needs of All Are Met, Materially & SpirituallyIf Basic Needs of All Are Met, Materially & Spiritually

Healthier Individuals and Societies will result.Healthier Individuals and Societies will result.

Economic Systems must Economic Systems must prioritizeprioritize meeting of basic meeting of basic needs: needs:

GOOD QUALITY & QUANTITTY OF FOOD FOR ALL FIRSTGOOD QUALITY & QUANTITTY OF FOOD FOR ALL FIRST


LAND:LAND: Prerequisite for Prerequisite for

AgricultureAgricultureRequirementRequirement

Available LandHealthy Soil

(Small farms)

ProblemProblem

Urban/ Industrial SprawlAgribusiness/Farming

Solution:Solution:

RESTITUTION OF THE COMMONS RESTITUTION OF THE COMMONS

TO THE PEOPLE OF THE LANDTO THE PEOPLE OF THE LAND

Privatization under Capitalism has been taking Privatization under Capitalism has been taking awayaway

First,First, LANDLAND NowNow, , WATERWATER Next, Next, AIR?…AIR?…

SUNSHINE?SUNSHINE?


FIRST: ensure that federally, state, locally, and community owned lands are preserved, not for sale.

Restitution of the CommonsRestitution of the Commons

““Death is considered the natural end of one’s property Death is considered the natural end of one’s property rights.” rights.”

Dr. Monzer Kahf, Analysis of Islamic Dr. Monzer Kahf, Analysis of Islamic EconomyEconomyNO LAND WILL BE BOUGHT OR SOLD--ONLY NO LAND WILL BE BOUGHT OR SOLD--ONLY

LEASED AT A SET RATE, REVENUES REPLACE LEASED AT A SET RATE, REVENUES REPLACE TAXESTAXES

..

THIRD: privately owned land in use would be bought at market price as

it becomes available, until all land is recovered from private ownership;

inheritance would no longer apply to land.

SECOND: privately owned lands not being used shall be purchased

from owners at market value.


• Revenues from land lease that will replace taxes would be distributed amongst local

governments: state, county, and city , proportionate to their responsibility to

provide services for the area in question.

• Zoning codes would vary place to place, with – Agriculture always having first priority,– Second, public spaces – Third, urban, commercial, and industrial

development.

Revenues & Relative Revenues & Relative OwnershipOwnership

Lessees become “Relative Owners” of land, meaning all structures built upon

it.


Servan-Schreiber: “Number one cause of death worldwide is chronic illness, from poor nutrition. Changing dietary patterns

is very best economic investment that society could make.”

* E. B. Szekely

The Basis of Aparigraha Economics The Basis of Aparigraha Economics isis

AgricultureAgricultureDaniel Webster: “cultivation of the earth is the most

important labor of man. When tillage begins, other art follows. The

farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization.”Essenes*: “Man is an integral part of nature. Individual and

society’s health depend on degree of harmony with natural laws/cosmic

forces Unity with nature is the foundation of economy, social

relationships,

and society. Societies flourish when based on simple agrarian lifestyle, decay when distanced from nature.”


Therefore Providers of Agricultural Therefore Providers of Agricultural

Services should be encouraged to:Services should be encouraged to:

*Adopt Cooperative Organization

*Maintain Limited Size

*Choose Local Services to Build a New and Local Economy


…”…”Swords will be Swords will be beaten into beaten into

ploughshares and ploughshares and nations will not learn nations will not learn

war again………”war again………”


PARADIGM IN PRACTICEPARADIGM IN PRACTICE

SPIRITUAL FOOD FOR THE SPIRITUAL FOOD FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUMNEW MILLENNIUM * Spiritual Food CSASpiritual Food CSA Mail Order ServiceMail Order Service

COMMUNITY LAND TRUST- COMMUNITY LAND TRUST- SOUTHERN SOUTHERN BERKSHIRESBERKSHIRES Land is not sold, only leasedLand is not sold, only leased

LOCAL CURRENCY –LOCAL CURRENCY – ANACOSTIA HOURS ANACOSTIA HOURS Building Local Economy Building Local Economy ByBy Maximizing Trade Within a Definite Region Maximizing Trade Within a Definite Region * Programs of Global Coalition for PeacePrograms of Global Coalition for Peace

WOMENS’ SELF RELIANCE PROGRAMWOMENS’ SELF RELIANCE PROGRAM* Nutrition Education - Vegetable Gardening - Micro-enterpriseNutrition Education - Vegetable Gardening - Micro-enterprise

COOPERATIVE GAMESCOOPERATIVE GAMES* Everyone wins, or everyone loses; Teach cooperation, sharing, Everyone wins, or everyone loses; Teach cooperation, sharing,

trust, in a fun way. Examples: trust, in a fun way. Examples: New America, Earth Game, New America, Earth Game, Harvest TimeHarvest Time


What needs to be What needs to be changed? changed?

A few examples:A few examples:


Violence against sentient beingsViolence against sentient beingsand against the earth, destruction and against the earth, destruction of the soil by synthetic chemical of the soil by synthetic chemical agents and the vegetation by agents and the vegetation by genetic manipulation, can be genetic manipulation, can be traced to profit maximization traced to profit maximization theory, which has given rise to theory, which has given rise to factory farms where animals are factory farms where animals are mistreated and slaughtered mistreated and slaughtered cruelly with no compassion.cruelly with no compassion.People who eat this “food” are People who eat this “food” are poisoned; the land is made poisoned; the land is made barren, the rivers polluted, barren, the rivers polluted, and workers health is harmed and workers health is harmed beyond recovery. beyond recovery.

Based on Scarcity

AgribusinessAgribusinessCORPORATE GREEDCORPORATE GREED

Based on Abundance

Small FarmsSmall FarmsSATISFY HUMAN NEEDSATISFY HUMAN NEED

As the Essenes teach, universal As the Essenes teach, universal history shows that every nation history shows that every nation reached its greatest splendor by reached its greatest splendor by following the great law of unity following the great law of unity between man and nature. Vitality between man and nature. Vitality and prosperity flourished when the and prosperity flourished when the people lived a simple, natural life of people lived a simple, natural life of cooperation with nature.cooperation with nature. Throughout Throughout history the relationship with the land history the relationship with the land has determined the advancement of has determined the advancement of civilization. civilization. The health of the soil and The health of the soil and of the food that comes from it of the food that comes from it demands a form of agriculture that is demands a form of agriculture that is nurturing from beginning to end. The nurturing from beginning to end. The human body is the ultimate human body is the ultimate beneficiary and the mind follows, beneficiary and the mind follows, bringing serenity and peace.bringing serenity and peace.


Community Supported Agriculture Community Supported Agriculture is an economic relationship for is an economic relationship for mutual benefit of producer and mutual benefit of producer and

consumer; its principle is respect consumer; its principle is respect for nature in all its for nature in all its

manifestations. Farmer and manifestations. Farmer and community agree to share the community agree to share the

bounty and the risk. Payment in bounty and the risk. Payment in advance avoids the need to advance avoids the need to borrow from high interest borrow from high interest

lenders; then if the crop is lost lenders; then if the crop is lost everybody loses not only the everybody loses not only the

farmer, farmer, butbut the loss is distributed the loss is distributed with low impact on everybody.with low impact on everybody.

Solidarity Based exchange

CSACSASHARED BENEFITSSHARED BENEFITS

Based on “Free” Markets

MaquiladoraMaquiladora ENSLAVEMENTENSLAVEMENTAA maquiladoramaquiladora is a factory is a factory

that is allowed to import that is allowed to import materials and equipment on materials and equipment on a duty-free and tariff-free a duty-free and tariff-free basis for assembly or basis for assembly or manufacturing and then re-manufacturing and then re-exports the finished product exports the finished product usually to the original usually to the original country.They are known for country.They are known for inhumane wages and living inhumane wages and living conditions, in some cases conditions, in some cases akin to or considered de akin to or considered de facto slavery.The nation’s facto slavery.The nation’s economy of the host suffers economy of the host suffers great losses.great losses.


An employee/worker is offered An employee/worker is offered extra pay if a certain job is extra pay if a certain job is done in a shorter period of done in a shorter period of

time and if the working hours time and if the working hours are extended. Family are extended. Family

obligations are waiting but obligations are waiting but this extra amount will allow this extra amount will allow the person to buy another the person to buy another electronic gadget or any electronic gadget or any similar materialistic stuff. similar materialistic stuff.

Family interest takes second Family interest takes second place.place.

The extra money might be The extra money might be needed to cover necessary needed to cover necessary

family expenses that cannot family expenses that cannot be met with the low salary.be met with the low salary.

Based on Right Motivation

PERSONAL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITYRESPONSIBILITY

RIGHTS & DUTIESRIGHTS & DUTIESMaterial satisfaction will bring Material satisfaction will bring

excitement not happiness. Real excitement not happiness. Real happiness is a soul expression that happiness is a soul expression that

can only be attained by selfless can only be attained by selfless actions (Karma Yoga). When the actions (Karma Yoga). When the

humanitarian urge becomes humanitarian urge becomes prevalent in a person, all other prevalent in a person, all other

concerns take second place, raising concerns take second place, raising the consciousness of humanity and the consciousness of humanity and

providing for its well being, providing for its well being, spiritually, physically, mentally, spiritually, physically, mentally, psychologically and emotionallypsychologically and emotionallyin an environment of justice, it in an environment of justice, it becomes the person’s guiding becomes the person’s guiding

principle.principle.

Based on Incentives

CORPORATE CORPORATE PRACTICEPRACTICE

EXPLOITATIONEXPLOITATION


From a very young age in the From a very young age in the family home children are family home children are taught to compete to win; to taught to compete to win; to use their intelligence to use their intelligence to overcome their brothers, overcome their brothers, sisters, and friends. This sisters, and friends. This programs future adults to be programs future adults to be selfish, deceitful, and selfish, deceitful, and potentially violent in pursuit of potentially violent in pursuit of rewards. It creates fear and rewards. It creates fear and low self-esteem in the “losers” low self-esteem in the “losers” and arrogance in the winners.and arrogance in the winners.

Cooperative games are a Cooperative games are a new paradigm of learning new paradigm of learning through fun; they aid & through fun; they aid & nurture one’s ability to nurture one’s ability to interact with trust and interact with trust and confidence, practicing confidence, practicing

interdependence, giving and interdependence, giving and receiving, sharing receiving, sharing

strategies, insights and strategies, insights and ideas to reach the common ideas to reach the common

goal to the benefit of all. goal to the benefit of all. Children especially learn a Children especially learn a

positive pattern of positive pattern of expression and behavior.expression and behavior.

Based on competition

CONVENTIONAL GAMESCONVENTIONAL GAMES STIMULATES SELFISHNESSSTIMULATES SELFISHNESS

Based on Cooperation

COOPERATIVE GAMESCOOPERATIVE GAMESIN CREATION WE ARE ALL ONEIN CREATION WE ARE ALL ONE


I LIKE TO BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE IN I LIKE TO BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE IN THE LONG RUN ARE GOING TO DO THE LONG RUN ARE GOING TO DO MORE TO PROMOTE PEACE THAN MORE TO PROMOTE PEACE THAN

OUR GOVERNMENTSOUR GOVERNMENTS.. INDEED, I THINK THAT PEOPLE INDEED, I THINK THAT PEOPLE

WANT PEACE SO MUCH THAT ONE WANT PEACE SO MUCH THAT ONE OF THESE DAYS GOVERNMENTS OF THESE DAYS GOVERNMENTS

HAD BETTER GET OUT OF THE WAY HAD BETTER GET OUT OF THE WAY AND LET THEM HAVE ITAND LET THEM HAVE IT.

Dwight EisenhowerDwight Eisenhower


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