Love of Money: the Poison of Attachment
One of the immediate lessons of loss through a financial scam is how attached we can become regarding money. In a sense, I ended up mourning the loss of our money! In looking back, the money itself was not actually the problem – rather it was my strong feelings of attachment.
A financial loss can also remind us of impermanence, and to think about what happens after we die. Thinking in this way, will reduce our clinging to material wealth – including, of course, our money.
Even if we are extremely rich, once we are dead everything has to be left behind. We cannot take even one penny with us. Even if we have great stores of food, we cannot take one bit of food with us. Even if we have lots of friends, we cannot take anyone with us. We cannot even take our body with us.
The only thing that survives death is our consciousness and since that goes all by itself, at that point nothing else is of any benefit. Whether we were rich or poor, unknown or famous, beautiful or ugly, none of it makes any difference when we die. Our consciousness just goes all by itself. All that helps us at such a time is whatever spiritual practice and character development we were able to do during our lifetime. If we have this, it will help us in the end to have no fear. (Last two paragraphs based on Rinpoche, Khenchen Thrangu. Four Foundations of Buddhist Practice. Namo Buddha Publications. Kindle Edition.)
In summary, we ought not become overly attached to, or in love with, our money – as well the physical possessions that we accrue through our wealth, such as homes, possessions, and other physical comforts. Our attachment to these physical things needs to be severed – so that we do not lose sight of higher values.
While money is important to live on and to cover one’s expenses, the seeking of more wealth can unwittingly become an idol, and be a spiritually unprofitable and futile pursuit. Studies have shown that after a point, more money will not bring increasing or lasting or happiness.
The Sacred Word gives earnest admonition to not fall prey to clinging to money – let alone to suffer misery when some of it is lost! Here are three selected passages rich in meaning:
(1) “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” (Proverbs 23:5)
(2) “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
(3) “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
Alexander and Eva Peck