This sagely wisdom is applicable to how governments plan and develop, and how our economy is so quick to assume growth as a panacea - growth, seemingly, at all costs. This has local relevance in so far as local city officials are now considering many different development projects. There are objections to these projects based on the analysis that harm is being done and future generations will largely bear the burden of present day decisions:

Think of Future Generations - The Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama on the Duty to Earth and the Human Family

Via Harper's Magazine [linked]:


Bsod-nams-rgya-mtsho. The Three-Deity Mandala of Auspicious Beginning.

If humankind continues to approach its problems considering only temporary expediency, future generations will have to face tremendous difficulties. The global population is increasing, and our resources are being rapidly depleted. Look at the trees, for example. No one knows exactly what adverse effects massive deforestation will have on the climate, the soil, and global ecology as a whole. We are facing problems because people are concentrating only on their short-term, selfish interests, not thinking of the entire human family. They are not thinking of the earth and the long-term effects on universal life as a whole. If we of the present generation do not think about these now, future generations may not be able to cope with them.

–H.H. Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, A Human Approach to World Peace (2006)

www.dalailama.com [official site]

A 4-session experience at Olympia Zen Center with a fully trained and ordained Zen Roshi, in a lovely natural setting, training in Zen meditation, other Zen practices, Starting April 2nd and spanning 2 weekday evenings and 2 Saturdays culminating in an all day retreat, April 12th. A great opportunity for those who are interested to experience Zen practice, meet other Zen students, and to slow yourself down a notch or two as the birds once again begin to sing you awake in the mornings. Call (360) 357-2835 or write to director@olympiazencenter.org.