The Origin of Greed

**Summary:** A parable from the Buddha about celestial beings who fell to the human realm after eating material food, explaining how greed arises from attachment to material things.

During a dharma talk, Master Chân Quang told the Buddhist practitioners a parable from the Buddha about the origin of greed. The lecture hall fell silent, with only the gentle breeze whispering through the windows.

"In ancient times, when the earth was first formed, the ground was beautiful and fragrant like chocolate. The streams flowed like fresh milk. The aroma of the earth rose up to the highest heavens. A group of celestial beings in the skies caught this scent and, out of curiosity, flew down to investigate."

The Master paused, looked around, and continued:

"Upon arriving, they saw the fertile, beautiful earth. Some scooped up soil to taste, while others bent down to drink the stream water. They already had celestial food, but tempted by the delicious scent, they indulged in the material. As a result, they lost their supernatural powers and could no longer fly back to the heavens, so they remained on earth."

A practitioner asked, "Master, does that mean they were banished?"

The Master nodded: "Yes, they became trapped. But at first, they did not worry much. The earth was abundant with food, rivers flowed with milk, and fruits grew everywhere. They lived in joy and happiness for thousands and millions of years, even without being in heaven. This shows that if humans did not have to worry about food and drink, life would change completely. They would have time to study, explore, create, and practice spiritually."

He emphasized: "But as time passed, the human mind gradually deteriorated. They began building houses, amassing wealth, and greed started to arise. The first greed was for food, which then led to greed for material possessions. Without greed for food, there would be no greed for possessions."

The hall became deeply still. The Master concluded: "This parable reminds us that when the mind becomes attached to material things, we lose our higher spiritual values. True happiness does not lie in accumulating wealth, but in the peace of mind and a rich spiritual life. Learn to let go of greed, live with contentment, so the mind can be free and light."

**Meaning of the Story** This parable from the Buddha explains the origin of greed as arising from attachment to material things. When the mind is bound by materiality, people lose their true peace and happiness. The lesson is to let go of greed, live with contentment, and aspire to a higher spiritual life.

*Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thích Chân Quang*