During Sakyamuni Buddha's time, monks looked poor outwardly, but spiritually and mentally, they were quite rich. Only monks and nuns can really be poor, because it is not possible for householders to live without money. Householders have to provide food and shelter for themselves and their families. Monks and nuns, however, do not need money, houses, or land. They are liberated from material possessions. Whether or not they have such things makes no difference to them. Though they are materially impoverished, they are spiritually rich. And because they are liberated from material desire, all land and all the money in the world is theirs. They may wear rags on their backs, but they have come to know their own priceless gem ─ the mani pearl ─ which goes by many names: Tathagatagarbha, Buddha-nature, True Suchness, self-nature.

Looking at the Ch'an Center, knowing that I have charge of temples in Taiwan, and that I fly back and forth between Taiwan and New York twice each year, you may think I have a lot of money. In fact, I have no money, and I own few possessions. Money comes to the Ch'an Center and the temples from all directions, but it is not mine. The center provides for all my needs. Whenever money is needed, however, I can get it. I spend a lot of money every year, but none of it comes from me or goes to me. On the other hand, if I were not a monk, but a family man with a wife and children, or even a bachelor, I would have to earn money, because I would have daily living expenses.

Your spiritual life is not determined by your material circumstances. A nun maybe impoverished, wrapped in rags, and dependent on others' offerings, but if she is aware of the priceless gem within, she is truly wealthy. A person with nothing who craves material wealth, however, is truly impoverished. Similarly, a wealthy person who wants more and more and is never satisfied is not rich at all. If a person is satisfied with what he has, even if it is very little, then he is wealthy.

A true practitioner concerns himself with his practice. He does not worry about his home, family, or livelihood. He does not guard over or cherish anything, including his life and body. It does not mean he abandons his family, quits his job and abuses his body. He is aware of and fulfills his responsibilities, but he is not attached to them. Such an attitude ensures that he will be successful in his practice. Still, there is no guarantee he will attain enlightenment.