I Break the Curse for You (V)

Hundun Celestial

April 11, 2006

The Issue of Wealth Christ Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” The Buddha taught not to accumulate wealth, but to rely on alms and offer universal salvation to all sentient beings. Laozi advised, “A hall full of gold and jade cannot be guarded,” “See the simple, embrace the plain; reduce selfishness and lessen desires,” and “Let go of excess, extravagance, and indulgence.” He also taught, “Be compassionate, be frugal, and do not dare to be ahead of the world.” Zhuangzi encouraged a tranquil heart, few desires, and a calm, empty state of being.

The teachings of gods, Buddhas, Celestial Beings, and saints are true. Once a person becomes obsessed with material wealth, they are likely to fall into the abyss of endless suffering, lose spiritual awareness, drift away from the Great Way, and miss the chance for one’s LIFE to ascend to a higher level.

However, such teachings are directed toward mortals—those who do not revere the Greatest Creator. For Chanyuan Celestials, our main task is to serve the Greatest Creator and bring Him joy. On this foundation, we should seize every opportunity to earn wealth. Jesus once told a parable: before a master went on a journey, he entrusted his three servants with money. When he returned, he rewarded them according to how much profit each had earned—the more they gained, the greater their reward. While the parable primarily refers to the merit of spreading the message of the Kingdom of the Greatest Creator, it also conveys this truth: so long as one is a servant of the Greatest Creator, one should do their utmost to create value.

Chanyuan Celestials are the nurses, servants, and children of the Greatest Creator. The more we earn, the more pleased He will be, and the greater the rewards He will bestow. We are building the Xanadu—a paradise of the Greatest Creator. He wants us to enjoy the joy of life. Therefore, as long as we carry the Greatest Creator in our hearts, walk firmly in His Way, and earn wealth in service of Lifechanyuan— so long as we do no harm to nature or to others—we need not fear money. In fact, not only should we not fear it, but we should also strive to earn as much as we can when opportunity arises.

We cannot walk the path of Buddhist monks who live by alms. That way does not work for us. We must do our utmost for our loved ones. This devotion includes not only helping them to know the Greatest Creator and walk His Way, but also supporting them materially—so they can live in peace and comfort. Therefore, if we can earn money, we should earn it.

The saints’ teachings of simplicity, contentment, and inner peace suited ancient times, but are no longer suited to today’s world. Without money, how can we pay for internet, water, electricity, transportation, and other daily needs? If these are unresolved, how can we calm our hearts and focus on practice and cultivation? So yes—we must earn money. And if possible, earn more. The reason I can now sit here peacefully and work for Lifechanyuan is that I earned some money a few years ago, enough to sustain me today. If I hadn’t earned that then, I wouldn’t be here now.

Do not reject wealth in your consciousness. Instead, sincerely hope that the Greatest Creator will bless you with what you need to fulfill your duty to your loved ones and serve Lifechanyuan. When opportunity knocks, take it—act without hesitation.

The Issue of Holding Office The greater the position, the more opportunities there are to serve the Greatest Creator. Cultivation depends on the heart, not on one’s social role or identity. Therefore, whenever Chanyuan Celestials have a chance to take on a public role, they should strive for it—if possible, even aim for the presidency.