True Wealth and Abundance are Multidimensional

by Eric H. Bruton

Many think of prosperity and abundance as rewards for cunning and deceptive behavior. Perhaps some may think that wealth and its benefits are a right or privilege granted to one just for being alive. If one's value system is centered upon material wealth, he or she will never find the abundance and prosperity sought. It is only when the striving for purely material wealth ends that real abundance and prosperity will be realized. For true wealth accrues to one's true self, which is beyond this limited dimension.

Of course we must acquire the necessities required to sustain life. Food, shelter and warmth are essential for ongoing life. But the mind requires more than the basics. All of us are actively involved in the acquisition of additional seconds of life. We do not consciously sit and think about how we will acquire another breath of air or another mouthful of food, but we do think of these things on a much larger level.

We make grocery lists or think about the ozone layer. We realize that we have to put our feet on the cold floor in the morning to turn up the thermostat or stoke the fire. For most of us it means that we put on a costume and head out to work. But in reality, all of us who are not actively engaged in dying are actively engaged in living from second to second. Most of us do this subconsciously well enough that we can use our mind for wonderment.

The wondering mind might think, "If I acquire more wheat than I can possibly use, might I trade it for more shelter." Or the mind might think, "I have much more shelter than I need, but I could use a method of transportation." It is just a short step from thinking this way to wanting to rule the world. This is human nature. It is normal, and this kind of thinking is inherently part of the third dimension. The acquisition of wealth, while being normal and desirable, is also very shallow.

It is when the acquisition of material things is accomplished with the full knowledge that these things have been acquired through spiritual strength and devotion that their true value is appreciated. All religious philosophy has embraced the certain knowledge that work is a form of worship. This universal truth can be seen in the Hindu Virashaviva Proverb, the Jewish Talmud, Nedarim 49b, the Islamic passage in the Qurían 62.10, the Christian Deuteronomy 28:11-13 and the Jain Uttaradhyayana Sutra 7.14-21.

This later example sums up what they all say: ".he who increases his capital is like one who practices eminent virtues; the virtuous, excellent man cheerfully attains the state of the gods."

It is not only a promise of God but also a natural law that the fruit of that labor will reward him or her who diligently strains muscles to the accomplishment of work. The lazy one will not be rewarded. Consider the following Buddhist Sutta from World Scripture, edited by Andrew Wilson:

He who says, "It is too hot, too cold, too late!"
Leaving the waiting work unfinished still,
Lets pass all opportunities for good.
But he who reckons heat and cold as straws
And like a man does all that has to be done,
He never falls away from happiness.

All religions teach that true prosperity can be found in a personal value system that cherishes both physical and metaphysical wealth. This can be understood through diligent study of the moral code given to us by the various spiritual teachings. When we undertake this effort, it is possible to see that there are specific moral principles that we are to live by. There really is very little difference in the teachings of the many religions. A good place to start this study is in World Scripture, edited by Andrew Wilson. These various spiritual teachings not only guide us for transition into the metaphysical dimensions, but also guide us in our daily interactions in this purely third dimension.

By working well, honestly and diligently, and being compassionate and wisely charitable, we can mold our spirits into ones that while having many earthly rewards are not dependent upon physical wealth for fulfillment. The Buddha and many others taught about being mindful. Through them, we come to understand that we can be metaphysically satisfied and sempiternal. We know that goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives and into the next state of being. In short, yes, we can take it with us if what we want to take with us is strong moral and spiritual values.

I personally have many friends who have amassed great spiritual wealth. They try to live by the rules of their faith daily. They allow those who come in contact with them to live as they believe appropriate. My spiritual friends are good, honest, hard working people who exercise judgment in their lives and accept the consequences of their actions. They are wealthy beyond understanding. They live by the credo: When one has more then he can eat, he must provide. When he is warm and dry, he must shelter others.