One day a rich man came to Lord Buddha and said, “I see that you are the Awakened One. I have come to seek your advice.” The Buddha asked him to share what was on his mind. The rich man continued, “My life is focused on my work. Although I have made a lot of money, I am preoccupied with worry. Many people work for me and I am responsible for them. They depend on me for their success. Yet, I enjoy my work and enjoy working hard. When I met your followers they spoke of the importance of living the life of a recluse. I also notice that you yourself were the son of a king, living in wealth and splendour, but you gave it up to wander as a homeless recluse looking for enlightenment. I want to know if I should do the same thing and give up my wealth. I want to do the right thing and be a blessing to my people. Should I also give up everything? I have to find the truth.”
The compassionate Buddha replied: “Anyone can receive the bliss of finding the truth as long as s/he follows the path of unselfishness. If you are going to cling to your wealth, then it is better to throw it away than let it poison your heart. But if you do not cling to it and use it wisely, then you will be a blessing for others. It is not wealth and power that make people slaves, but it is clinging to wealth and power that makes enslaves people.”
Lord Buddha explained that his teaching did not require anyone to become homeless or give up the world unless he wants to. Instead, people should free themselves from the illusion that the body and world are their permanent and true home. Also, one must lead an ethical life.
“But,” Lord Buddha explained, “whatever people do, either in the world or as a recluse, they should put their whole heart into it. People should be committed to whatever they do, be full of energy. If they face struggles, they should do so without hatred or envy. People should live a life not of ego, but of truth and then bliss will fill their soul.”
These words spoken thousands of years ago are as true today as they were then. Non-attachment does not mean we have to give up our homes, our wealth, our families and what we have received in life. It only requires that we remain detached from these things. Whatever situation in which we find ourselves has come to us due to our karma. Some are born rich and others are born poor. Some gain money in life, while others lose all their wealth.
What is important is that we are not attached to our outer situation. If we are poor we should not curse God, and if we are rich we should not gloat. Our outer circumstances are a cup that has been handed to us. Within those circumstances, we should take care of our responsibilities towards our family and community. For that, we may have to work hard, but we should not be attached. Our attachment should be with God. Our attention should be on making sure our soul attains communion with God. That can be attained whether we are rich or poor.
Those who are blessed with wealth should make the best use of it by taking care of their family responsibilities and then sharing with others. We can live in the world and do the best we can, but keep our focus and attention on finding God. Our hearts can develop purity and an attitude of selfless service and sharing with others.
We need not be attached to our outer situation. We can work to make a living, while working to grow spiritually. If we are blessed with wealth, we need not throw it away, but we should use it to help others, and to benefit from having more free time to meditate and do selfless service. The key is to live in the world, but not be attached to it.
