Why are people so attached to money?" "How does Buddhism view this desire?"

"Why are people so attached to money?" "How does Buddhism view this desire?"

I. Why Do People Love Money So Much? Psychological and Buddhist Perspectives

1. Because money brings a sense of security (driven by fear).

Having money means no fear of hunger, abandonment, old age, sickness, or death.

Buddhism calls this craving "greed" (tan), one of the three poisons (greed, anger, ignorance).

The essence is "fear of impermanence → wanting to control everything → holding onto money as insurance."

2. Because money is seen as a symbol of value (driven by self-clinging).

Having money = success, usefulness, worthy of love.

Buddhism points out this is "self-clinging at work": binding self-worth to money.

In reality: money has no inherent nature; it "works the way you think it does."

3. Because money can satisfy desires (driven by the five desires).

Buddhist scriptures talk about "wealth, sex, fame, food, sleep" as the net of the five desires.

Money is the "master key" to unlock these desires.

So people "don't truly love money"; they love the enjoyment and escape money can bring.

II. What Do Buddhist Scriptures Say About Attachment to Money?

• 《Samyutta Nikaya》 Vol. 16:

  "For the sake of wealth, people destroy nations, lose their lives, fathers and sons disagree, brothers kill each other; this is called the harm of wealth."

  The Buddha pointed out: Wealth itself is not wrong, but when people get lost in "wanting" it, they plant the seeds of suffering.

• 《Dhammapada》:

  "Wealth is beloved by fools, like a bundle of grass on fire, burning themselves, and they do not find peace."

  → Money is not the problem; clinging to money, believing it is the only value, is the fire that burns oneself.

• 《Upasaka Precepts Sutra》:

  The Buddha said that lay practitioners should stay away from "unrighteous wealth," emphasizing five improper sources of wealth that are unacceptable:

  • Obtained by theft.
  • Obtained by fraud or deception.
  • Obtained by harming or killing living beings.
  • Obtained by immoral sexual conduct or selling oneself.
  • Obtained by selling alcohol, poisons, weapons, or other things that violate precepts. ✅ Buddhism is not against wealth, but rather: "It emphasizes where money comes from, how it's used, and how your mind views it."

III. What is the Healthy Buddhist Attitude Towards Wealth?

1. Money is "dependently originated Dharma," with no fixed nature.

Buddhism says: "Money is neither good nor bad; it depends on how you use it and how you cling to it."

• Using money to help the poor → merit.
• Using money to oppress others or show off → degradation.
• Using money for self-affirmation → deepened self-clinging.
• Using money as a tool → wise use.

2. Owning money is not a sin; attachment causes suffering.

The Buddha repeatedly said: "Wealth is not an obstacle to spiritual practice; greed is."

• You can earn money, but don't be led by it.
• Practitioners don't all have to be poor; rather, their "mind should not be moved by wealth."

3. Money should be a tool, not a master.

"People should not be enslaved by wealth, but should transform people with wealth."

Buddhism encourages: generous giving (dana), making offerings, creating blessings for sentient beings, establishing Dharma centers, etc.

These are the ways to truly make money "have merit."

IV. Buddhist Reflection: What is Your Relationship with Money?

You can ask yourself a few questions:

• How much money do I need to feel secure? Who set that number?
• How do I view "rich people"? Is it envy, hostility, or do I want to become one?
• Do I feel "unworthy" because I "don't have money"? 👉 If the answer points to "money equals the meaning of my existence," you should practice "emptiness contemplation × generosity × humility."

V. Buddhist Methods for Contemplating Money (Practical Practice)

Method	Explanation	How to Practice
Generosity	Giving money is not just giving it away, but "loosening self-clinging"	Give a small amount monthly, use it for genuine needs
Upholding Precepts	No greed or theft, no unlawful gain	Maintain boundaries: don't take credit, don't take advantage, don't cheat
Chanting Buddha's Name / Contemplating the Mind	When greed arises, turn the thought into observation	Chant Buddha's name when greedy, observe "who is greedy?" "whose money is this?"
Contemplating Dependent Origination	Money comes from many causes and conditions, not created by me alone	Gratitude → letting go → releasing the sense of control

💡 Conclusion: Buddhist Wisdom on Money

What Buddhism Says	Modern Language Translation
Money is dependently originated, has no inherent nature	Money itself has no value; its value comes from how you use it
Wealth is the foremost of the five desires; be vigilant	Wealthy people need to be more vigilant: are you controlled by greed?
Greed for wealth harms the mind and body	Greed leads to loss of freedom, exhaustion, and damaged relationships
Financial generosity is supreme; transform greed into blessings	Those who can actively use money to benefit others are truly free