Rich or Poor: What Level Are You At? The Buddha's Teachings on Helping Each Other Make a Living

Have you ever wondered: What is rich? What is poor? We often think being rich means having a lot of money, many houses, and many cars. But according to the Buddha's teachings, that boundary is far more profound. A small story: There was a person begging in the market, hands bandaged, limping, and everyone who saw him felt pity. But in reality, he earned hundreds of thousands every day, more than a hired laborer. So, is he poor or rich? Let us listen to Venerable Thích Chân Quang's teaching on the ten levels of wealth and poverty, to clearly see each person's duty in life.

**Ten Levels of Wealth and Poverty: Where Do You Stand?**

The Venerable shares a very practical perspective: from the poorest person (without rice to eat, on the verge of starving to death) to the richest person (a super-wealthy individual with transnational charitable organizations). Each level is tied to one's ability to provide for oneself and to help others. Interestingly, from the fifth level onwards, the criterion of "being able to help others" begins to appear. A person at level five has enough to eat, enough to wear, a home, and an education, but lacks the capacity to help anyone. A person at level six is when they can help others without negatively affecting their own family.

"Anyone who can help others is called a rich person; anyone who must receive help from others is a poor person."

The Venerable emphasizes: this is a concise and easy-to-understand definition, and based on it, we can examine ourselves to see where we stand on the spectrum of wealth and poverty.

**Are the Poor a Burden on Society?**

This may sound harsh, but in reality, if a person remains poor forever, they become a burden on their family and society. Furthermore, if there are too many poor people, the entire society is dragged down. Therefore, the duty of every citizen, especially Buddhists, is to strive to become financially stable. Not out of greed, but out of responsibility to the community.

"Living in society, no one has the right to be poor."

The Venerable advises: If you are not yet wealthy, seek opportunities, cultivate your skills, and resolve to rise up. Do not let yourself always be a receiver; become a giver.

**What Responsibility Do the Rich Have?**

Conversely, the rich must not be selfish. If the rich only know how to accumulate wealth and invest for profit without caring for the poor, society will lose balance and lead to crisis. The Venerable points out the deep cause of economic crises: "The rich do not sincerely help the poor."

"The rich have a responsibility to the poor. They must help raise the living standards of the poor."

Help here is not just giving money; more importantly, it means creating jobs, teaching skills, and supporting livelihoods. That is truly sustainable charity.

**Helping Each Other Make a Living: True Philanthropy**

The Venerable recounts the past life of the Buddha, when He was a Bodhisattva, He established vocational schools for young people. This is the model for true charity: offering a fishing rod instead of a fish. Helping each other make a living not only solves immediate hunger but also helps the poor stand firmly on their own feet.

"The concept of helping each other make a living is a very difficult and enduring form of charity."

The Venerable also emphasizes: starting an enterprise, creating jobs for many people, and contributing to the economy is, in itself, a great act of goodness. Therefore, entrepreneurs and investors deserve to be honored.

**Should Buddhists Be Wealthy?**

Many think that following the Buddha means renouncing property and living an ascetic life. But the Venerable explains: that is for monastics, those who have completely let go to focus on practice. For lay Buddhists, making an honest living is not only not wrong, but it is also a duty. Because when Buddhist laypeople are wealthy, they have the means to support the Three Jewels and help the Buddha's teachings flourish.

"If Buddhist laypeople are wealthy, the temple will prosper. If they are moderate, the temple will be average. If they are starving, the temple will... perish."

The Venerable tells a story from his own life: from having no land to his name, to eventually owning thirty hectares, he had to make the vow, "This land belongs to the Buddha, not to me," to maintain peace of mind. This is a lesson on non-attachment, even while possessing great assets.

**Conclusion: Become Rich to Give**

Being rich or poor is not just about money; it is about one's attitude towards life and responsibility to the community. Let each person examine what level they are at and strive to rise, not for indulgence, but to be able to help others more. Remember the Venerable's words: "Help each other make a living for shared success, so that in the future Vietnam may flourish, contributing to a vast, great harmonious world." Start today, with a concrete action: teach a skill to someone, create a job for someone, or simply share this article to spread the message of compassion.