The wise have assured us that Dhamma is the power which
oversees both material wealth and spiritual well-being. Regard-
less of how much or how little wealth we acquire, we will enjoy
a sufficient measure of happiness if we possess some measure of
Dhamma in our hearts. Unsupported by Dhamma and left to its
own desires, the heart will be incapable of finding genuine hap-
piness, even with a mountain of valuable possessions on hand.
These are merely physical and emotional supports that intelli-
gent people can use wisely for their own pleasure. If the heart
is not intelligent in the way of Dhamma, or Dhamma is absent
altogether, the place where we live will resemble a wasteland, no
matter what our choice. The heart and all its wealth will then end
up as just so much accumulated waste – stuff that is useless for our
spiritual development.
When it comes to being stoic in the face of adversity, noth-
ing is as tough and resilient as the heart. Receiving proper assist-
ance, it becomes something marvelous in which we can take
pride and satisfaction under all circumstances. From the time
of birth to the present moment, we have exploited our hearts
and minds – mercilessly. Were we to treat a car like we treat our
minds, it would be pointless to take to a garage for repairs, for
it would have become a pile of scrap metal long ago. Everything
that we utilize must receive some sort of upkeep and repair to
ensure that it continues providing useful service. The mind is
no exception. It’s an extremely important resource that should
be well looked after and maintained, just as we do with all our
other possessions.
Meditation is a therapy designed exclusively for the mind.
All of us who are truly interested in taking responsibility for our
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
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