Transcending Consumerism (And Everything Else)

A fundamental Zen message says that an awakened state can be achieved. We can go beyond our perceived limitations. 

This awakening can be achieved by transcending all aspects of the material, transitory world. 

We will have to transcend consumerism first, if we are to transcend anything else.

Not just consumerism, although that would be a positive step toward that ultimate goal. 

Muso Soseki (1275 - 1351), a Zen Buddhist monk, teacher, calligraphist, poet and garden designer said,

I don’t go out to wander around

I stay at home here in Miura
While time flows on through
The unbounded world
In the awakened eye
Mountains and rivers completely
Disappear.
The eye of delusion looks out upon

Deep fog and clouds. 

What is consumerism if not a deep fog hanging over captured shoppers stuck in a dead end cycle? 

When individuals aspire to attain spiritual enlightenment, regardless of what method they follow to get there, they don't go to the mall.

The act of simplifying one's life helps to transcend consumerism, and stimulates the awakened eye.

When we see that we can overcome our programming as consumers, we are emboldened to overcome anything and everything.

First we gain ourselves, then we gain the world.