The Buddhist View of Wealth
In the Buddhist scriptures, there is the expression “ clean wealth”. which is called pure wealth.Clean wealth is not only a necessary condition for subsistence, but also a benefit to society and mankind. So, what kind of wealth belongs to clean wealth then?
Firstly, clean wealth comes from a legitimate source. There is an old saying that a man of integrity pursues wealth through honorable means. Honorable means refers to a legitimate way of making a living, which is called Right Livelihood in the Buddhist Eightfold Path.
Only through hard work and wisdom can we enjoy wealth with an easy conscience and without worries.
Secondly, clean wealth needs to be used properly. The Buddha once and again taught us to adhere to the principle of leading a simple life. This is because desires are difficult to curb once they are stirred up.
A person can hardly forsake an extravagant lifestyle once it is formed. Just like earth's resources, a person's blessings are limited.
Overindulging one's desires brings nothing but harm to the mind and body. What's more, it withdraws happiness in advance.
Thirdly, clean money should be treated without greed and attachment. Anything that we crave for becomes the sharp blade that hurts us, just like the saying that "wine doesn't make people drunk, people get themselves intoxicated; lust doesn't overpower people, people surrender themselves to it."
If we are greedy for wealth, we will feel worried when in poverty and we will worry about losing wealth when in affluence.
Therefore, we need to recognize the essence of wealth: it is impermanent rather than eternal; it has its limitations and is not the sole purpose in life.
When we truly regard wealth as a mere worldly possession, we will stay away from the harm it may bring. While water can carry a boat, it can also overturn it. It is the same case with wealth.
Wealth in itself does not hold a good or evil nature. However, what makes it good or evil depends on how it is used. Those who are rich but cruel use wealth to do evil things, while those who harbor compassion for sentient beings use wealth to benefit others.
Those who are rich but cruel use wealth to do evil things, while those who harbor compassion for sentient beings use wealth to benefit others. Thus, it is not nec- essary to regard money as dirt.
As long as we obtain wealth through legitimate means and properly handle and use it without attachment for the benefit of society, then we are the master rather than the slave of our wealth.
Thus, the wealth we possess is clean wealth rather than a poisonous snake.
