Day 10:  No Harm

"Harassing not others, those who seek happiness gain their own happiness hereafter."  ~ The Buddha (Dhammapada 132)

One of the Five Precepts is to refrain from stealing or taking what is not yours. But what does that mean during a pandemic? We have seen people going to stores to hoard things, such as toilet paper, food, water, and other supplies. Some have said this is a psychological response to lack of control over the situation.

However, most of modern supply chains work in a “just-in-time” replenishment, meaning shelves are going bare unnecessarily. They are going bare not because there is no food or supplies, but because they cannot be restocked fast enough when people take too much.

The impact seems hidden; however, it is now being seen and felt. The elderly and others who live on fixed incomes and cannot compete with the numerous peoples stripping the shelves bare. Medical workers cannot find masks, gloves, and other equipment to keep themselves safe. Pharmacies are running out of medication when people want two-month supplies or get a doctor to prescribe them medication that might help them if they get the virus. People who are sick may not get needed supplies.

Harm is being done each time. Your actions may start the chain of events that leads to someone being killed as a result. Lack of medication, food, and supplies can quickly impact the most vulnerable.

Focus

Practice

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