Frugality means conserving resources, respecting their value. I cultivate frugality by repairing, reusing and recycling goods and not being wasteful. The opposite is wastefulness.§
Comparing the actions of one who is frugal to one who is wasteful§ |
||
|---|---|---|
Situation§ |
Frugality§ |
Wastefulness§ |
When an item of clothing is worn out or no longer needed, your…§ |
first thought is, “Can this be recycled or used by someone else?”§ |
default behavior is to simply throw it in the trash.§ |
In watering the lawn, you…§ |
conserve water by turning the sprinklers off after a judicious amount of time.§ |
let the sprinklers run indefinitely, unconcerned with the wisdom of conserving nature’s gifts.§ |
When a tool or kitchen implement breaks, your…§ |
first thought is to find a way to repair it.§ |
first thought is to discard it and buy a new one.§ |
Gurudeva explained: “All Siva’s devotees are frugal and resourceful, avoiding waste and conserving nature’s precious resources. They wisely store a three-to-twelve-month supply of food according to the family’s means.”§
“The tenth yama is mitâhâra, moderate appetite. Similarly, mitavyayin is little or moderate spending, being economical or frugal, and mitasayan is sleeping little. Gorging oneself has always been a form of decadence in every culture and is considered unacceptable behavior.”§
In describing the ideal beliefs of environmentalists, Gurudeva wrote: “I believe mankind must rediscover the value of frugality, avoid waste, implement sustainable systems of nonpolluting farming, manufacturing and energy production to enable future generations to meet their needs. Simplicity of life fosters inner freedom and outer sustainability.”§
ASSIGNMENT: During these two weeks, find three instances when something breaks or wears out and consciously do your best to repair, reuse or recycle it rather than throwing it away.§
Date you began this assignment ____________________§
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BENEFITS OF FRUGALITY: 
§
