Is money really important in the world?

kingking

Do you think money is very important in the world,and what other things other than money do you think is important?

NomaDBuddha

Fresh water is important. More important than money, I guess.

Cinorjer

Do you think money is very important in the world,and what other things other than money do you think is important?

Money seems to be really important to the bank that owns my house, and the people who provide my paycheck, and the grocery store that has the food I need.

What's important to me is providing my family with a roof over their head and a kitchen stocked with food. Among many other things I consider important in life, that's up there near the top.

But, living an honest, meaningful and compassionate life is most important to me. So, I would work till I drop to make sure my family doesn't go hungry, but I won't steal the food or money. So I suppose that's the difference.

nlighten

The only reason money is worth anything is because it can be used in exchange for goods and services. Other than that its just paper :P. But, I guess it all depends what you value in life. To some people it's material possessions which to me is not too different from money in that it is only worth anything because it can be used as a means to get enjoyment and/or momentary happiness. But since this is a Buddhist forum I think most people here are looking for more than momentary happiness that is based on illusions. That is why I think spiritual wealth is much more important than material wealth. Because it lets you see that all those other methods are just a means at getting something which is already in your mind. How can something material get you something immaterial? it can't it's just illusion.

Sorry for the rambling, but it's a very vague question, so I just threw in my 2 cents.

robot

I think that valuable spiritual insight can be gained by examining how one uses or abuses money. A man I knew when I was younger taught me that money was nothing more than a representation of my energy and so it should be managed carefully. That made sense to me because I had nothing that I had not worked for. I have tried to live with that idea in mind. As a fisherman, I must also acknowledge that fish have sacrificed their lives for me and my family. I believe that I have succeeded in impressing that fact on my kids and I think that they have lived up to it by being honest and sensitive and having a deep appreciation for nature and life.

DaltheJigsaw

Thanks for this thread!

Jeffrey

Money is as good as the intentions with which it is earned/used.