SAMARA FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
October 2008
“With all the financial troubles assailing the world at this time I have been asked for some advice about how to invest ethically or what to do with money, which to me is a symbolic extension of who you are.
There are many ethical bonds, banks and organisations that one can invest in. Better still why not consider investing in consciousness by supporting conscious people and their work and help create an atmosphere where this becomes a new paradigm.
I personally do not believe in half hearted so called environmental funds or companies trying to look good by accumulating a few green points and using the right language to fit into what has become the vogue at the moment.
Beyond spirituality, which is always the best thing to invest in, and down to the more mundane worldly aspects, there are two major societal problems facing us and the world today - energy and war.
Energy in the past has been predominantly either nuclear or petroleum based – both of which are destroying the world.
If money is invested in alternatives then these alternatives become more viable. Governments are not interested in losing the profits that traditional energy sources create for them, even if they say they want something different, so it is a matter for the public to create the momentum.
There is a risk here. The energy companies run a lot of the politics and everyday foundations of the modern world.
War is greed, madness and a game that some people believe necessary to control what they have already.
If we invest in the traditional material world, ie banking, shares, etc most of the money somehow goes into that cycle.
Hence, if we all look at utilising ethical institutions like the Cooperative Bank in the UK where their policy is not to invest in goverments or companies that support such regimes then this is one way to put pressure on those which are more unethical indicating to them that such behaviour is unacceptable.
Having more than a few thousand euros in a traditional bank for a long period of time means that it goes into this unethical energy/war cycle.
Investing in long term high interest accounts does the same.
So I would suggest investment companies that have an ethical sorting out policy. It is never 100% foolproof but it is one simple step to take in order for your money to become greener.
If you don't mind risking or losing the money then i would invest in wind or ocean power or what might be the future energy source, microbes creating energy, ie methane and biodiesel.
In the end, it is about human beings and their consciousness. Every action that you support helps to create consciousness on some level.
So, for example, supporting amnesty international extends this love to humans who suffer extreme pain.
Supporting the essence that creates the freedom from these dynamics is about supporting the spiritual teachers and enlightened beings that bring miracles into a world that is in the midst of chaos. This I believe to be crucial and often overlooked due to the many and varied daily practical requirements (ie shopping, mortgage, savings, clothes, jewellery, perfumes, cigarettes, alcohol, entertainments, holidays, cars, etc) that seem to grow more important than the supporting of beings who dedicate their lives to the evolution of human consciousness.
The Dalai Lama, because of his spiritual intention, often does more to change human consciousness than some radical organisations battling in a non-conscious way to change the world.
The Dalai Lama doesn't battle, rather he invites the transcendent level of consciousness to deal with any problems.
Sometimes people believe that materialism is the only paradigm possible when they see so much of it. This is where a bridge beyond materialism and consumerism needs to always be supported and strengthened.
Often the simple things in life are a gateway to well-being and happiness.
Live simply. Be conscious of your actions and support conscious actions.”
Tony Samara
--------------------------------------------------
Dear Friends
We live in such a beautiful world!
We invite you to visit the links we recommend on the pages of the website http://www.ourbeautifulworld.org in order to realise just how lucky we are to be alive on the planet at this time and realise the freedom that we have for making a conscious choice that will make a difference.
We would like to remind you that it is always possible to spend time with Tony and receive personal discourse with him in the many retreats and seminar programmes organized for him throughout the world.
And so, we are happy to announce that there are 1 or 2 places still available at our 'SATSANG BY THE SEA' programme which will be conducted in a tranquil, seaside location in the country of Greece from 3-13 April 2009.
Below we mention programmes happening soon but please check http://www.tonysamara.org for all of the latest event updates.
2 - 5 October 2008 — Cleansing detox retreat Algarve, Portugal
19 October 2008 — Detox day Zagreb, Croatia
24 - 26 October 2008 — Cleansing detox retreat Rogaska Spa, Slovenia
If you are unable to attend the programmes please remember that you can enjoy the wisdoms and meditations of Tony Samara by going to the product page of http://www.tonysamara.org to instantly download one of the e-cds or the e-booklet.
Thank you for your support and love as we continue to expand this beautiful work in the world we live in.
Love
The Samara Foundation
****** Thank you all for supporting this work by forwarding this newsletter to your friends and posting it to your sites and blogs.
N.B. - New Mail Address: Tony Samara, Apartado 293, 8150-909 São Brás de Alportel, Portugal