John Davison Rockefeller (1839-1937) gave money away right from the very first moment he began to earn a living. He was a devout Baptist who gave monies (always much more than the usual tithing of ten percent), not only to his church, but also to those who really needed it. In 1859 he gave a man enough money to buy his wife out of slavery. In many ways, he changed the landscape of the United States with his generosity, all because he believed that God gave him an income for all of mankind's benefit.

In March, I visited New York City with my eldest son David. I had not realised until that visit that John Davison Rockefeller's son, John D. Rockefeller Jr. (1874-1960) was one also of the world's greatest philanthropists, as well as being a most wonderful philosopher. We were visiting The Rockefeller Centre and had stopped to read the large bronze engraving outside the Centre. We were both so taken with the words written there, that we went inside and asked for a copy of them. I now have these words pinned up on my notice board beside my desk as daily reminder of living in mindfulness, for I can see both the Ten Commandments and the Buddhist Precepts in his noble words.

John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s words are as follows: "I believe in the supreme worth of the individual and in his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.

"I believe in the dignity of labour, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living. I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living and that economy is a prime requisite of a sound financial structure, whether in government, business or personal affairs. I believe that truth and justice are fundamental to an enduring social order. I believe in the sacredness of a promise, that a man's word should be as good as his bond; that character - not wealth or power or position - is the supreme worth.

"I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of mankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free. I believe in an all-wise and all-loving God, named by whatever name, and that the individual's highest fulfilment, greatest happiness and widest usefulness are to be found in living in harmony with his will. I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over might."

Just like the first precept in Buddhism and first Commandment in Christianity - "Thou shalt not kill," - J.D.'s words ("I believe in the supreme worth of the individual and in his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.") demonstrates the value of life, freedom and the wish for joy and happiness in our lifetime.

His words continue with: "I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty." Responsibility means our own personal responsibility, which I interpret as never blaming others for our un-skilfulness. I know that with all opportunities and possessions there are always obligations and duties, and that we feel better if we leave our world a better place and our relationships in greater harmony.

"I believe in the dignity of labour, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living." If we are physically and mentally able there are ample opportunities in this world to work. If we are willing to start from a place that suits our abilities and skills, and work hard, then more opportunities do open up.

"I believe that thrift is essential to well ordered living and that economy is a prime requisite of a sound financial structure, whether in government, business or personal affairs." As human beings we always want more, rather than being satisfied with enough. Or as it says in the Buddhist text, Samyutta Nikaya I, 117, "Were there a mountain all made of gold, double that would not be enough to satisfy a single man: know this and live accordingly." Of course the reverse side of the coin is thrift and economy, as illustrated by the fifth precept of mindfulness, "Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption."

"I believe that truth and justice are fundamental to an enduring social order. I believe in the sacredness of a promise, that a man's word should be as good as his bond; that character - not wealth or power or position - is the supreme worth." Mindful speech is helpful in learning to commit only to what we are able to do and fulfil. For our actions do speak so much louder than words.

"I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of mankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free." It certainly is greater to give than to receive, this we all know well. The spirit feels alive when we do. If only we can relieve the suffering of one person in the morning and bring joy to another in the afternoon our day feels better. And this doesn't always involve too much of a sacrifice!

"I believe in an all-wise and all-loving God, named by whatever name, and that the individual's highest fulfilment, greatest happiness and widest usefulness are to be found in living in harmony with his will." "Thy will be done," such releasing words, allowing us not to waste precious energy over things that we cannot control. In other words, "Let Go, Let God", and know that everything we perceive, including our feelings and thoughts, are impermanent. After all, God, Julia Cameron writes, can be an acronym for "good orderly direction."

"I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over might." If we could only remember this at all times, what a different world we would live in! However, we know that the only thing in the whole world we can change is our attitudes, and therefore ourselves. The amazing thing is when we do change our attitudes, everyone else seems to change! Start with loving and being responsible for yourself and love will triumph over might.

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The Mindfulness Practice Community of Bermuda will not be meeting during this July or August. For more information on fall meetings please email mpclogic.bm or visit the Mindfulness Web Site at www.plum.village.org