Practicing Buddhism

Practicing Buddhism – Let Me Get Rich First

Many people think of Buddhism as being something that is somber and serious and that to practice it requires a sacrifice on their part that they are unable to make or not interested in making.

Of course, to learn and practice Buddhist does not require such a thing at all or any real difficult or painful sacrifice.

A devout or disciplined Buddhist can enjoy all the things in life that most or all people do, but just does those things in a moderate and mindful way.

A devout and wise Buddhist would not partake of drinks or drugs, or visit prostitutes, things that are quite common among the Buddhist men of all Asian cultures, but could and would still enjoy watching television or going to the movies and socializing and eating with his or her friends.

One thing that many in the east will say about bringing Buddhism into their lives is that they “want to get rich first”. This is understandable and acceptable as there are Buddhist scriptures that do emphasize the benefits and importance of individual wealth.

However, the pursuance of this individual wealth is not recommended to be something that should be taken as the highest priority for people to do.

In addition, one can pursue those things in the material world that bring them material and financial benefits but still be learning about and practicing Buddhism.

The reality is not about pursuing wealth but in what we do with our free time and whether we are greedy people.

In our free time we may continue to pursue money and wealth through ways that may create problems, such a gambling, but we could also use this time to learn about and reflect on the teachings of Buddhism and learn meditation.

One thing to remember is that if we continue to pursue wealth or are obsessed by it and think that it is the most important thing in life, a stronger hindrance to the joy and insight that the practice of Buddhism can bring is being created.

In addition, we may look at Buddhism in a very superficial and inaccurate way or become so immersed in certain mental, verbal, physical and behavioral actions and habits that our ability to learn about and make progress in the practice of Buddhism is seriously compromised.

Of course, when people are in a culture and country that places so much emphasis on material and financial wealth and status, one’s concept of self and success, and therefore self - esteem and self – confidence will be a predominating factor in how they approach life and living, not the promises of a discipline such as Buddhism that tells them that they can attain something joyful and fruitful that is unseen by others or may not be respected by or important to them in any way.