Ipod>poor children?

[Seeker_of_truth]

I would like to buy an ipod. It's cost is $150 dollars. But then i think about kids who don't have food and clothing in parts of the world and charities that provide for them. Then i feel guilty. Although, i did earn all $150 dollars on my own.
What would Baha'u'llah do? What would you do?

[17th Angel]

Originally Posted by Seeker_of_truth

I would like to buy an ipod. It's cost is $150 dollars. But then i think about kids who don't have food and clothing in parts of the world and charities that provide for them. Then i feel guilty. Although, i did earn all $150 dollars on my own.
What would Baha'u'llah do? What would you do?

Seriously Seeker,

Do you wear a skin tight blue suite with red underpants? No? So, you are not Superman? Meaning, you can't save the world... Sure you can change small things... And thats good we should all "chip in" what we can manage... But we shouldn't become the poor and homeless to make someone else rich and have a home.... But rather do what we can, if you contribute just a small bit then I don't believe you should feel guilty, and should realise, you ALONE cannot change the world, will not change the world. And that the suffering that goes on isn't your fault is it? Buy the Ipod.... To suffer because there is suffering, is making the suffering grow... Do you go down the road and buy some milk? And then become sad and guilty because there are those who have to travel miles and miles to quinch their thirst with dirty dieased ridden water? If yes.... Then do you give up that drink and give it to someone else?

[wil]

Originally Posted by Seeker_of_truth

I would like to buy an ipod. It's cost is $150 dollars. But then i think about kids who don't have food and clothing in parts of the world and charities that provide for them. Then i feel guilty. Although, i did earn all $150 dollars on my own.
What would Baha'u'llah do? What would you do?

Namaste Seeker,

The fact that you are asking yourself the question is worthy of praise. Many go through life without thinking at all of others. I really like what I learned from Islam in the way of charitable thinking. Calculate your tithe, now they and others have numbers/requirements, I believe Islam is 2% of your savings annually, Christianity is often labeled as 10% of gross, I think you determine what you can do and make it a plan...But beyond that Islam says take care of your family and friends first, then your community, then your country, then the world.

The concept being each of us is responsible for those around us. If we can make them more prosperous, and instill similar value in giving/serving that you possess than your efforts are multiplied (pay it forward). Then once you've filled that need, move on and expand your circle.

I'm thinking of the Ipod...I don't yet own one. I can't imagine needing music everywhere in my life...however with places like learnoutloud.com there isa ton of learning that can be downloaded and absorbed in your travels...this alone could not only expand your awareness of the world, but increase your personal prosperity consciousness, which in turn could increase your tithe...win win.

If that $150 can be utilized to generate increased income as well as personal satisfaction what is not to like.

[arthra]

Seeker asked what would Baha'u'llah do?

Baha'u'llah brought principles and ways of living that are probably not that well known today... Among the principles He brought was reducing the extremes of wealth and poverty so if you decide to use that money to donate to children who are ill clothed or fed it would fulfill a part of that principle... As a Baha'i I have to ask myself how I spend my resources and time... Can I volunteer in a service that will reduce suffering and alleviate hunger? or should I use my resources to fill my own interest in entertainment?

We had a button where I attended university back in the late nineteen sixties that had a motto "Give a damn!" What that meant to us at the time was that rather than be involved solely in our own pursuits to complete our degrees and make our future life confortable for ourselves we would commit to serving those in need or being unjustly treated... This is kind of an obligation we assumed to use our education and influence in society to the end of making peace in the world at that time and bringing to the attention of society the areas that had been ignored. It's a commnedable endevour.

- Art

[Francis king]

don't buy the Ipod- give the money to the poor- the warm glow in ur heart will last far longer than a rubbish Ipod... I salute u!

[17th Angel]

You have an Mp3 player Francis?

[chakraman]

i pods are bad for ears are'nt they, ask your drums what they think - no i suspect..jase

[17th Angel]

Originally Posted by chakraman

i pods are bad for ears are'nt they, ask your drums what they think - no i suspect..jase

What isn't bad for you these days......