On Being Rich

The richest person is the one who has cultivated a cool mind- free of tension and anxiety. We can have money, but yet still not be rich. Changing the world is not in our hands, we cannot stop all these things that occur. We can be happy in times of tension if we tell ourselves to be happy, then nobody can make us unhappy. The past is already gone; the future is yet-- to be happy this minute is in our hands. With tranquility in the midst of calamity we make others more tranquil. Our own serenity is contagous, smile at someone and they will smile back. We could in this life time create great joy if we chose to do so. A carefree life is only possible with a well-controlled mind, one that is free of anxiety, personal desires or possessions.

-m