436 Coexistence and Mutual Prosperity

“Coexistence and Mutual Prosperity”

Animals live by instinct.
Herbivores graze on grass,
Carnivores prey on herbivores.
Humans refer to this as the “law of the jungle.”

The law of the jungle means
The weak become prey to the strong.
The strong thrive at the expense of the weak.
This is how it is understood in human society,
And the strong proclaim it as if it were the natural order.

Humans are said to be the apex of all beings,
Standing at the top of creation.
Then how should the powerful fulfill their responsibilities?
It is only natural to ask such a question.

Humans possess a greedy and insatiable side,
And the more power one holds, the stronger this tendency becomes.
Human desire knows no limits.
This is the very poison of “greed” that the Buddha warned against.
When greed spreads, so does suffering,
For wealth becomes concentrated in the hands of a few.

The law of the jungle is not a just or moral principle.
Those in power bear great responsibility:
To show compassion toward the weak and the defeated.
Wealth is not something to be monopolized,
But something to be distributed with wisdom.

Animals do not indulge in excess desire.
They do not possess the selfish urge to hoard.
Humans should learn from their example.
By doing so, the spirit of coexistence and mutual prosperity will be cherished,
And we will move closer to an ideal society.