Special Topics
Buddhist Perspectives on Wealth
In this world, it is nearly impossible to live without money. However, can wealth guarantee happiness? Amidst the pursuits of high social status and fame, career success, or vast financial wealth, what is true wealth after all? Is money the root of all evil? Money is an essential means for meeting our daily needs. It is a societal norm that people need money to survive. As seen in various Buddhist scriptures such as the Sigālovāda Sutra and the Āgama Sutras, the Budd...
The Financial Quotient of Buddhism
In modern society, economic activities account for a significant portion of daily life. Consequently, "FQ" has become a hot topic, and, along with Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and Emotional Quotient (EQ), constitute the three basic social capabilities of modern people. FQ stands for "Financial Quotient," and refers to the ability to survive in an economic society. It can be cultivated through education and learning as individuals develop their attitudes toward money...
How Can Gold Turn Out to Be a Poisonous Snake?
In Buddhist scriptures, we can see how the Buddha repeatedly warned his disciples that "money is just like a poisonous snake." But, how does money transform into a venomous serpent? On a sunny, windy morning, the Buddha and Ananda walked along a country road of Shravasti. As they moved along, a gleaming object on the roadside caught their attention. The Buddha exclaimed, "Ananda! Look, there is a poisonous snake." Ananda concurred, "Yes, it is indeed a venomous sna...
The Guardian Deities of Wealth Revered in Buddhism
In Buddhism, there are guardian deities (dharmapalas) of wealth. Different Buddhist traditions venerate their own dharmapalas and methods to invoke their blessings. In Chinese Buddhism, the male and female guardian deities of wealth are Vaiśravaṇa, or Hearer of Many Teachings (Chn. Duōwén Tiānwáng多聞天王), and Lakṣmī (also known as Śrī) respectively. Vaiśravaṇa, one of the Four Heavenly Kings (cāturmahārāja), is the protector of the north, the god of knowledge, and is also c...
Commonly Asked Questions about the Buddhist Perspective on Wealth
As most people are inclined to crave wealth, the Buddha once likened money to a poisonous snake. However, by maintaining the right view on wealth management, Buddhists can also deal with it righteously and use it to find stability of livelihood as well as transform it into a tool for practicing generosity and performing good deeds. Q1: Should Buddhist actively manage their money or not? A: Most people associate money management with making investments. According to the Sigālovāda Sutta,...