How to measure whether an individual or a society or nation is happy and prosperous？

 

Author: Hsu,Tao Qing; Tao Qing Hsu

People with low cognitive abilities are prone to isolation, and they also tend to isolate others.

According to psychological observations and research, elderly people living with family members are associated with "frailty" when they feel isolated within their families. Furthermore, the resulting feelings of loneliness, frailty, and depression are often more pronounced in these elderly individuals compared to those living alone without family. My personal observation suggests several possibilities. One is that the elderly person may be stubborn, difficult to communicate with, and exhibiting low cognitive abilities, thus leading to isolation by family members. Another possibility is that the family members living with the elderly person may themselves be exhibiting low cognitive abilities, lacking empathy for the elderly person's physical and mental well-being, and thus isolating them. In other words, elderly people with low cognitive abilities are more likely to be isolated by their families; conversely, family members with low cognitive abilities are more likely to isolate elderly people.

Bystanders can only practice the "unfeeling compassion" of Diamond Wisdom.

The psychological observations and research described above are also applicable to social and international relations. Let's assume that this elderly person or their family member with low cognitive abilities represents a nation or its leader with low cognitive abilities. An individual, leader, or organization with low cognitive abilities who is unwilling to reflect on themselves and improve to integrate into the universal values ​​of freedom, democracy, human rights, and equality in modern international society will inevitably be isolated. Such leaders and organizations with low cognitive abilities will inevitably move towards isolating their citizens (national isolation). Whether as individuals or organizations, they will ultimately decline and perish, just like the elderly person with low cognitive abilities. This cause and effect stems from their own actions, not from external causes. Neither Buddhist nor psychological observations can forcibly change the state of those with low cognitive abilities. At this point, observers can only practice the "unfeeling compassion" of Diamond Wisdom(Gold-tough Wisdom). They can either wait for the leaders and organizations with low cognitive abilities to awaken, turn back, and grow, or allow them to remain isolated and self-destruct. At this point, it's only a matter of time.

The Dharma teachings transmitted by Master Longhua ( Bodhisattva Maitreya)

The master said: Uproot the evil people completely.

The disciple asked: How can we eradicate evil people completely?

The Master said: A hand that is merciless yet compassionate.

To measure whether an individual or a society or nation is happy and prosperous, we should focus on the abundance and peace of mind and spirit.

Furthermore, if we are treated with indifference, disregard, and isolation by those with low cognitive abilities in our social activities, it will inevitably accelerate the decline of our physical and mental health. Similarly, if we are treated with stubbornness, prejudice, indifference, disregard, and isolation by other countries in the international community, it will inevitably have a negative impact on our national strength and the physical and mental health of our citizens.

Therefore, if we hold this understanding, we will inevitably strive to create psychologically safe, positive, friendly, warm, equal, and mutually beneficial high-cognition interactive relationships, whether in our family relationships, social relationships, or even international relations, thereby enhancing the physical and mental health of every citizen. Similarly, positive and healthy interactions between nations will benefit the physical and mental health of both countries' citizens, contribute to their longevity, and help improve their individual cognitive abilities and intelligence. In other words, measuring the happiness and prosperity of individuals or societies and nations should not be limited to economic wealth, but should be based more on the psychological and spiritual well-being and peace of individuals and societies.