Happiness and Materialism by Ven.Dr.K.Sri Dhammanda

Just back from Singapore. There, I went to a Tibetan Temple called “Theck Chen Choling” which I found last year with my brother. I got some very nice Dhamma books teaching about happy life. Just begin with the book “How to Overcome Your Difficulties” by Ven. Dr. K.Sri Dhammananda. I selected some  nice chapters from the book. Let’s enjoy!

Happiness and Materialism

Many people believe that they can solve all their problems by just having money. They, however, fail to realise that money itself has its attendant problems. Money cannot solve all problems.

Most people never think properly. All through their lives, they are like race-track  greyhounds running after a rabbit decoy. When the chase ends, all the excitement disappears. This is very much like the nature of sensual happiness in the wonderland of materialism. As soon as the desired object is obtained, the happiness ends and new disires arise. Getting the object appears not quite as satisfying as the chase itself.

When we lose something, remember the following advice:-

     “Say not that this is yours and that is mine,

Just say, this came to you and that to me,

So we may not regret the fading shine,

Of all the glorious things which ceased to be.”

Wealth is not something for you to accumulate for craving’s sake. It is intended for your welfare, as well as welfare of others. Try to make the world around you a better place to live in. Use your wealth wisely to reduce the sufferings of the poor, the sick and the aged. Fulfill your duties to your people, your country and your religion. When the time comes for you to leave, you will have immense peace and bliss as you recall the past good and selfless deeds that you have done.

Seeking wealth through gambling is like expecting a passing cloud to shelter us from the sun. On the other hand, aspiring for prosperity through diligent work is as secure as building a permanent shelter from the sun and rain.

      “Your prosperity will remain when you die. Your friends and relatives will follow you up to your grave, but only the good or bad actions that you have done during your lifetime (karma) will follow you beyond the grave.”

Fulfilling dreams of riches may sound magical, but fear and worry always lie in wait for such magic to wear off. A rich lifestyle brings its share of mental disturbance. With an abundance of ill-used wealth, it becomes impossible to attain the simple things in life such as friendship, trust and confidence, which are taken for granted in humbler circumstances. When a lifestyle begins to generate a sense of insecurity, wisdom is required to put oneself on the right again. Riches have their trade-offs—-the happiness of owning them is diminished by as much fear and worry about losing them.

For our personal happiness, we should acquire wealth righteously. “Blessed are they who earn their living without harming others”, said the Buddha. Our happiness cannot be long-lived and meaningful if our weath leaves sorrow and suffering in its wake. Wealth that is flouted arouses envy, but wealth that is well managed earns respect.

Your wealth can edify your house but not you. Only your own virtues can edify you. Your dress can adorn your body but not you. Only your good conduct can do so.

Ultimately, it is blissful to know that “happiness is a perfume that you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on your self.” The world may not be what you want it to be, but you can tune your heart to find happiness within it. It is only when you have suffered for doing good that you can rise above others in understanding and personal happiness.

     “If we want to find happiness, let us stop thinking about grattitude or ingrattitude and give for the inner joy of giving. Ingrattitude is natural—like weeds. Grattitude is like a rose. It has to be fed, watered, cultivated, loved and protected.” / Dale Carnegie

Act Wisely

Man must know how to use his youth, wealth and knowledge at the proper time and place and in the proper way, for his own benefit, as well as the benefit of others. If he misuses his privilege, it will only cause him downfall. “Man nust be strong enough to know when he is weak, brave enough to encounter fear, dignified and having moral courage in honest defeat, humble and gentle in victory.”

Some people have the blessings of sudden wealth through chance or inheritance, but not many are endowed with the wisdom to protect it, conserve it or put it to good use. Anything that is not earned through the sweat of hard work tends to be squandered through abuse.

 Wishing you all a Very Happy New Year 2010!

2 comments December 31, 2009