The Great Master’s Treasure

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

To most householders, the accumulation of wealth seems the best way to provide a safety net for the uncertain future. This is reasonable: there is no question that material resources have an important role to play. But the wise give equal precedence to less tangible preparations. They also cultivate warm and supportive relationships with friends and family members. Most importantly, they develop the qualities of integrity, patience, mindfulness, kindness and wisdom that will equip them to make the best of whatever lies ahead, good or ill.

Monastic abandon, at least ideally, all financial security, and put all their emphasis on spiritual cultivation. It is said that after the death of the great Tibetan master, Milarepa, his disciples found amongst his meagre belongings a message written to them on a piece of rice paper. It said that Milarepa had buried all the treasure that he had accumulated during his lifetime under a nearby rock, and if they wished to recover it they should dig there. The monks rushed to the rock, started digging, and soon uncovered a woolen bundle. Excitedly they opened it up, only to discover a dried-up lump of excrement. Accompanying it was a second note: “If you understand my teaching so little as to believe that I amassed gold, then this is all the inheritance you deserve.”  

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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.