In America, we have a culture that is self-centered and individualistic. We believe that each person must look out for their own self-interest, working to earn as much money as possible at the expense of others. Ideas like community and egalitarianism are looked down upon; replaced by a social Darwinism that insists only the fittest among us are worthy of food, water and shelter. But this me-first mindset doesn't stop with finance and social programs. It has burrowed into our Buddhist centers; coloring the ways in which we read scripture and teach the Dharma. For example, take this quote from the Dhammapada No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path: Buddhas only show the way. The first time I read this passage the message seemed clear. I was responsible for my own actions, and if I I wanted to walk a spiritual path, I had to walk alone. Many years later, I realize the first half of my statement is true, we are all responsible
One of the first bible stories that I learned involved Adam, Eve, and the garden of Eden. As the story goes, Adam was the first man, created by God from the dust of the earth. And Eve was his wife, created from Adam's rib in order to serve as his helpmeet. The garden of Eden was a paradise, designed by God to provide for their every need. Adam and Eve were charged with caring for the garden. They named the animals, they cared for the plants, and they enjoyed each other's company. There was only one rule. God proclaimed that they could eat the fruit of every tree. However, they must never eat fruit from the tree of life, which grew in the center of the garden. God warned Adam and Eve that if they broke this rule, they would die. The couple lived in harmony until one day a serpent entered the garden and spoke to Eve, telling here that if she broke God's commandment and ate from the tree of life, she would not die. Instead, she would gain knowledge of good and evil. Ev