Detaching from Materialism

I don't believe in excess wealth. However, in order for a man to be happy, he has to be in a position to provide for his family. If a man fulfills that role, what can a wife ask for? Happiness is a state of mind they say. And there is happiness in the state of wealth, they say.

Wealth is not my domain. But sometimes, I wonder how it would feel to be a millionaire to be able to give to the poor and offer to the Lhakhangs and Goendheys.

And sometimes I question myself, if I have great wealth at my disposal, would I still think ofthe poor and the needy? Would I care about the people who spend their days in mountains and caves or in the gutters? Would I still know how it feels to be poor and suffer for the want of a few ngultrums to make ends meet? Would I still feel responsible for the poorest sections of the society? I wonder. I may and I may not.

I am quite happy with what I have. And I am glad that I have nothing to worry about. And my head has no enemy like the Serpent King's. I have no worry of being caught either at the check-posts or at the airports.

But seriously, if I am the proud owner of all those dzi-stones, would I be too greedy and proud? Would I see people under my feet?

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Ngawang Phuntsho

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