February, 2013
NEED OR WANT
These are among the first words that each of us choose to use on a regular basis. We have desire. And we want desire to be satisfied. Although similar need and want are not identical. All needs are indisputably wants. On the other hand, wants are countless, as numerous as the imagination may conceive. This difference is no doubt foremost in the mind of a Buddhist when one suggests:
All life is suffering;
Suffering comes from desire;
There can be no end to desire.
Needs are few and easily defined:
We need food to nourish our body;
We need clothing and shelter to protect us from the storm;
We need others to help when stricken with disease or disability;
We need family and friends with whom we may enjoy life.
All else is nothing other than want.
May we provide for the needs of the living? Of course.
Have we? For billions among us the answer is: No
