A message from Grand Prior of Austria Robert von Troyes. 

Originally written in German and translated into English, here is a message from Austria's Grand Prior.

As we consider the tense economic situation, we become more and more aware of how our previous ways of living. At every turn we face bankruptcies, recession and the anxiety of uncertainty. The house of cards of the empires seems to collapse and to tear the entire world with into the economic ruin.  Yet I remember the day when the Clinton administration touted "Globalization" as the Golden Calf of the modern age promising prosperity and freedom. Yet is only brought more of the same.

When I think back to my childhood, I remember having to accept want,  which we in the current society replace with driven consumption.  For many decades, the media has drilled the momentum of the economy into that which apparently permanently increases our buying power and secures our jobs. Now, all of a sudden, the scenario changes to severe cut backs, job losses, collapses, not to mention the "so-called middle classes" who may not survive.

But if I would select deeper memories of my childhood, it occurs to me how large the consistency in the families of that time was. One was more satisfied with what one had, yet one could dream, set goals and attain them.

What I want to say is, let us not disconcert ourselves with frightening daily messages by the media on the condition of the international economy. Let us think of the war generations, what these persons sacrificed without losing their goals in their hearts. Many had lost everything, had to begin again from nothing after the war. They recreated themselves and their lives because they had not lost courage, which stood like a giant next to meager possessions.

Endurance took precedence through the worst, then "thanks to God" for being saved from death placed everything in perspective. If we do not lose the courage and remain standing with both legs firmly planted on the ground, we also will survive. If times go economically badly for us, let us turn inwardly to consistency, contentment and feelings of happiness within the heart and let impermanent things go.