Living in a Content Manner by Dr. Andre Muhammad

Now, before I begin with the wisdom of the third verse of the Tao, I must discuss my personal background. I am from that generation, X is what the social scientists have labeled it, that has been all about the money. It wasn't too long ago that I can remember the poets, Wu Tang Clan saying,"Cash rules everything around me, C.R.E.A.M, get the money, dollar, dollar bills yall." To me, that poem became the anthem for all those who were of my generation and, as quiet as kept, it remains that today.

On the other hand, the third verse of the Tao suggests that we should avoid placing too much value on status or material wealth (so those who know me, you knew what I was thinking right?). Well, initially, I was thinking that this would be somewhat difficult for me, as for the past several years I have participated in a frenzied attempt to generate and build as much capital as possible. Needless to say, when I approached this verse it caused me to rethink my approach. When I read the verse once more, I felt that it was not so diametrically opposed to the concept of generating and building wealth as it was to the notion of placing so much value on wealth and status. The insatiable desire to gain status is what apparently leads one to become discontent. With overemphasis on status and wealth, it will constantly cause the individual to feel as if he/she does not have enough. As Dr. Wayne Dyer teaches, this type of mindset causes the individual to feel as though he/she will need to constantly chase the dollars and, as more is gained, this insatiable desire never abates.

On the flip side, according to the Tao, it is the flaunting of such status and wealth which creates discontent in the minds and the hearts of onlookers. Unfortunately, we have become a society
that is constantly bombarded with the inordinate amount of wealth and status of a few. Whether it manifests from the television shows "MTV Cribs" or "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," observers get their fair share of what I refer to as "inyourfacism," a more recent phenomenon which is best defined as having one with material riches boastfully displaying his/her wealth in the face of others.

Therefore, the person who is content has learned to approach life from the standpoint that what the universe has granted is sufficient. Personally, I don't believe the verse is saying that we should not strive to improve our economic condition but, rather, we should approach our life from a content manner and allow ourselves to become in sync with the universe and know that our basic needs will be met.

Peace and blessings!