Money and assets are often considered as "wealth" in an economic sense. However, perspective, shared by philosophers and spiritual leaders like Buddha and Plato, emphasizes that true richness lies in a state of mind and appreciation for what one has, rather than in an insatiable pursuit of more. Human psychology, always wants more. The belief that happiness lies in acquiring more. The continuous pursuit of wealth and luxury often fuels a never ending cycle of greed and craving, which can destroy peace of mind. In this aspect Sanskrit have following words to say for contentment ;
दानेन तुल्यं सुहृदास्ति नान्यो, लोभाच्च नान्योस्ति रिपुः पृथिव्यां|
विभूषणं शील समं न चान्यत् ,संतोष तुल्यं धनमस्ति नान्यत् ||
Daanena tulyam suhrudaasti naanyo
Lobhaacccha naanyosti ripuh pruthivyaam
Vibhooshanam sheela samam na chaanyat.
Santosh tulyam dhanamasti naanyat.
Daanena = charity
Tulyam = like (for comparison)
Suhrudaasti = suhruda + asti.
Suhruda = friend, well wisher.
asti = is.
Naanyo = na + anyo.
Na = not.
Anyo = another.
Lobhaaccha = Lobhaat + cha.
Lobhaat = (like)greed.
Cha = and.
Naanyosti = is none other.
Ripuh = enemy.
Pruthivyaam = in this world.
Vibhooshanam = adornment.
Sheela = character.
Samam = equal, similar.
Chaanyat = cha + anyat.
Anyat = another.
Santosh = contentedness
Tulyam = equal to.
Dhanamasti = dhanam + asti.
Dhanam = wealth.
Naanayat = na + anyat.
i.e. In this world, there is no well-wisher like charity and no enemy like greed. No other adornment enhances the beauty of a person like good character and no other wealth like contentment.
Making charity always gain the popularity, while greed makes many enemies. A good behavior always foster a nice character of human being and likewise, contentment makes the real wealth.
Contentment fosters a sense of completeness and sufficiency, allowing individuals to feel wealthy regardless of their material possessions, which is more fulfilling than external wealth alone. Unlike material wealth, which can be lost, contentment is a treasure of the soul. It provides tranquility and serves as a source of inner paradise.
