Dr. Rudi Jansma
The purpose of this book is to make people aware of the tradition of humility throughout the ages as a basis of sustainable economy indeed more then just sustainable economy. For 'sustainable' still allows for further growth and production, for exploiting the planet and tapping its resources however only in such a way that we safeguard our future survival and comforts of life.
This may be achieved by the practice of non-possessiveness, non-covetousness, non-attachment, non-hoarding, non-accumulation, non-grasping, etc. All these ideas are covered by the Indian concept of aparigraha. The tradition of aparigraha or humility is not a utilitarian or merely practical attitude of economy, but it connects the practical with the spiritual, the useful with the ethical. We can not go on with our planet as we do at present. We have to thoroughly review our values. We have to look into our own inner being, our own nobler psychology and implement the insights thus gained. There is not God to solve the problems for us, or to save us like we save little children when they run out before a car on the highway. We have to do it ourselves. We want to survive not only survive, but live decently in coming centuries, coming millennia, perhaps millions of years. We will expand our knowledge not only scientifically, but also, and in growing measure, spiritually. Our future can be bright and happy like the sun in a cloudless sky if we only do it: think, think deeply, watch our inner being, and study the wisdoms contained in ancient scriptures. It is not difficult, it only takes some reconsideration.
This book talks about philosophies from all over the world, people who were 'special' in humility with regard to life, about economy, ecology, psychology, education, philosophy, politics, sociology, ethics and religion, and, last but not least, scientifically: what sources of energy for our daily life and industry are the best to use from the standpoints of aparigraha and non-violence. How can we sustain ourselves and all other life with least harm to the planet and a higher quality of living in the modern and future times of high technology and increased population? We hope that the information in this book may be read by practical people all over the world, and that some of its ideas may become integrated in global thinking and acting. We do, of course, not claim to have the last word rather to humbly present some good ideas so that other may think further along these lines.
(Kandy, Sri Lanka, January 31, 2016)
