THE ORIGIN OF THE THREE R's - RECYCLE, REUSE & REDUCE

Special thanks to Jenna for sharing this 'enlightening' story on how we can apply the THREE R's in small, simple and useful ways.....

BUDDHA, one day was deep in thought about the worldly activities and the ways of instilling goodness in human. The following is the text of the conversation between him and one of his disciples :

One of Budhha's disciples approached him and asked humbly: "Oh my Teacher! Why are you so concerned about the world and others? Why don't you look into the welfare and needs of your own disciples also?"

BUDDHA : Oaky. How can I help you?

DISCIPLE : Master...My attire is worn out and is beyond the decency to wear the same. Can I have a new one, please?

BUDDHA found that the robe indeed was in bad condition and needed a replacement. He asked the housekeeper to give the disciple a new robe. The disciple thanked the Buddha and happily retired to his room. Although He had met the immediate needs of the disciple, Buddha was not all that contented with his decision.He realised he had missed out some point. After a while of deep thought, he realised what he should have asked the disciple. He went over to the disciple's room and asked him....

BUDDHA : "Is your new robe comfortable? Do you need anything more?"

DISCIPLE : Thank you, Master. The new robe is indeed very comfortable. I do not need anything more.

BUDDHA : So, having got a new one, what did you do with the old?

DISCIPLE : I am using it as my bed spread.

BUDDHA : So you have disposed of your old bed spread?

DISCIPLE : Oh no Master... I am using the old bed spread as my wondow curtain.

BUDDHA : What about the old curtain then?

DISCIPLE : It is being used to handle hot utensils in the kitchen.

BUDDHA : Oh.. I see! Can you tell me what did they do with the previous cloths used in the kitchen?

DISCIPLE : They are being used to mop the floors.

BUDDHA : Then... the old rug that was used to wash the floor? What did they do with it?

DISCIPLE : Master, since they are torn and worn out, we could not find better use for it except to be cut up and used as wicks for the oil lamp that is now lighting up your study.

BUDDHA smiled in contentment at the resourcefulness of his disciple and wishfully hope that mankind will learn from this first lesson on the THREE R's of RECYCLE, REUSE AND REDUCE.......to help conserve earth's natural resources and to minimise wastes and wants.

BLOGGER'S NOTE : We don't have to go to extremes to do our part in SOS Planet Earth.
Every small step we take is important and counts.... treat the Earth well!!