HAPPINESS AND MATERIALISM ~ by Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda Maha Thera

HAPPINESS AND MATERIALISM
~ by Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda Maha Thera

Many people believe that they can solve 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 excitement disappears. This very much like the nature of sensual happiness in the wonderland of materialism. As soon as the desired object is attained, the happiness ends and new desires arise. Getting the object appears not quite as satisfying as the chase itself.

Or when we lose something, remember the following advice:

"Say not that 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 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, imagine what peace and bliss they could bring as you recall the past good and selfless deeds you have done.

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

"Your property will remain when you die. Your friends and relatives will follow you up your grave. But only good or bad actions you have done during your life-time (Karma) will follow you beyond the grave".

Fulfilling dreams of riches 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, simple things in life like friendship, trust and confidence which are taken for granted in humbler circumstances become impossible to attain. When a lifestyle begins to create insecurity, it requires wisdom to put oneself on the right track again. Riches have their trade-offs; the happiness of owning them is diminished 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" says the Buddha. 

Happiness cannot be long-lived and meaningful if wealth leaves sorrow and suffering in its wake. Wealth flouted arouses envy; but wealth well-conducted earns respect.

Your wealth can only edify your house but not you. Only your own virtue can edify you. Your dress can adorn your body but not you. Only your good conduct can.

Ultimately, it is bliss to know that "happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself". 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 you want to find happiness, let us stop thinking about gratitude and ingratitude and give for the inner joy of giving. Ingratitue natural - like weeds. Gratitude is like a rose. It has to be fed, watered, and cultivated and loved and protected". (Dale Carnegie)