002-Buddhism in daily life - Our property

Everything that belongs to me, I carry with me!

All the things we think we own, do they really belong to us?

Is it "my" property, "my" car, or may I only "use" it?

Are they "my" children, "my" wife, do these people belong to me?

Probably not. If one also considers the fact that we will die, then it is obvious that NOTHING belongs to us.

The true and valuable possession, that lies in the qualities of the character, not in material things. Also, education and skills are infinitely important, material things can be lost very quickly, but our knowledge is not.

Those who now define themselves mainly by outward appearances will probably read no further, the statements then shake the world view.

What values do you want to convey to your environment? What is really important in life? Where do you want to go?

Our homes are mostly crammed with useless stuff, accumulated over the years, what of it do we really need? Do we need all the things stored in our basements? And all the goods waiting for buyers in the stores of this world, do we need all of them too for perfect happiness?

The trend of a minimalist lifestyle is now coming to us from Asia, and in times of crisis, money is no longer so loose anyway. The lockdown is a good opportunity to comprehensively tidy up, clean out, and part with a lot of things. What you haven't touched in the last six months, you don't need anymore, that can go. Maybe other people need exactly these things that are in your basement. In the meantime, here are many exchange apps, where the neglected treasures can quickly find new owners.

Truly happy people do not endlessly accumulate possessions, because they know that material things are not "real". Real are feelings, love, warmth, and of course humanity and mindfulness.

Instead of accumulating things, you should strive for interpersonal merit. Following these lines, make one of your loved ones happy, just call, speak kind words, full of understanding and affection.

I know some very wealthy people who are so not happy at all. Then I have others in my circle of acquaintances who have almost nothing, but always seem cheerful and good-humored.

Monks have no possessions; when they take their vows, they become propertyless. Especially in Buddhist monasteries, strict attention is paid to this rule, because according to Buddha, in the "want" and "desire" is seen a major cause of suffering.

Seize the opportunity and bring order to your possessions.

The things you have are ultimately your possessions

- Brad Pitt - US actor and film producer - born 1963