The Billionaire with Cancer and the Healthy Poor Man

In a VIP room at the central hospital, a cold atmosphere hung heavy with the scent of antiseptic and the steady beep of medical machines. Mr. Nam, chairman of the largest construction conglomerate in the South, lay listless on his bed. His skin was pale and gaunt, his eyes sunken as he stared blankly at the ceiling. Although his bank account held twenty trillion dong—equivalent to one billion dollars—he could not buy even a single night of peaceful sleep or relief from his pain.

The abbot visited him. Seeing this scene, Mr. Nam struggled to sit up, his voice hoarse. He said, "Venerable, I have everything. Money, fame, power. But I do not have health. Death has knocked on my door. I am filled with regret." The teacher gently took his trembling hand, saying little, only praying silently. A few days later, news of Mr. Nam’s passing spread everywhere. His family was engulfed in grief; despite the massive inheritance left behind, no joy remained in that house.

At the same time, in a distant rural area, Mr. Tu—a poor farmer—stood amidst golden rice fields. His home was made of simple thatch and bamboo, leaking when it rained. His meals were modest, consisting of boiled water spinach and pickled eggplant. He had no car, no villa, and even needed relatives’ help to gather money for his wedding. Yet, Mr. Tu possessed something Mr. Nam never had: a strong, healthy body.

Early each morning, Mr. Tu woke up, filling his lungs with fresh air. He carried his hoe to the field, sweating profusely but smiling brightly. In the afternoon, he helped his wife cook dinner and played with his young children, their laughter ringing through the village. At night, he lay on a bamboo cot, gazing at the stars and sleeping deeply, free from dreams or pain.

One day, a stranger visiting the village saw Mr. Tu repairing his roof. The visitor asked, "Do you wish you were as rich as Mr. Nam?" Mr. Tu laughed heartily, wiping sweat from his forehead. He replied, "Wealth is good, but if being rich means lying in bed, unable to eat or sleep peacefully, I would rather lose. I am truly poor, but I am healthy. I can go where I want and do what I like. When I wake up and see beautiful sunshine, I feel life is worth living. He has billions, but perhaps now he only wishes to breathe easily just once, as I do."

Mr. Tu’s humble words lingered in the visitor’s mind. The Buddha taught, "Health is the greatest gain." Between a wealthy person burdened by severe illness and a poor person at peace in body and mind, who is truly happy? The answer seems clear in Mr. Tu’s calm breaths and in Mr. Nam’s final moments of agony.

Health is not merely personal property; it is the foundation for enjoying life, working, and contributing. When we are healthy, we do not cause suffering to ourselves or trouble our loved ones. More importantly, we have the opportunity to practice the Dharma and cultivate blessings from merit. Conversely, if we chase material wealth while neglecting our health, we lose the most precious thing that money cannot buy back.

THE MEANING OF THE STORY

This story emphasizes the core message: "Health is the supreme benefit." Well-being is the prerequisite for true happiness, surpassing wealth or status. A healthy person, though poor, can still enjoy life, work effectively, and contribute to society, thereby creating blessings from merit. In contrast, a wealthy person who loses their health falls into suffering, unable to use their assets, and becomes a burden to others. Therefore, maintaining health is not only a responsibility to oneself but also an ethical duty to the community, as it prevents causing harm to ourselves and others.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Most Venerable Thich Chan Quang