Once, a disciple approached Lord Buddha and asked, “Lord, why am I not wealthy?” The Lord replied, “Because you are not generous!”

The disciple said, “Lord, only a wealthy person can be generous. Being poor, what generosity can I show?”

The Lord responded, “Poor? You are wealthy. Not just you, but every person in this world is wealthy, because everyone possesses five treasures.”

The surprised disciple asked, “Treasures, me? What treasures, Lord? Please elaborate.”

With a gentle smile, the Lord began…

“The first treasure, a gentle smile. People have so many questions, so many problems, that they have forgotten how to smile. You have a smile. Try giving it away. Seeing you, others cannot help but smile. A gentle smile makes the person in front of you forget their sorrow, even if only for a moment.

“The second treasure, eyes. We look at the world with these eyes. But if our gaze is affectionate, then simply through that gaze, the person in front of you can find solace. A reassuring gaze is very important. That gaze gives someone positivity and energizes another’s life. Love, compassion, affection, sympathy—many such feelings are hidden in the eyes. Many yearn for such a loving gaze.

“The third treasure, tongue. It should not only be used to taste various foods but also to speak kind words. If we can encourage others with our words, give them faith, praise them, then it can certainly have a positive effect on their lives. So speak well. Not false praise or flattery, but two words that instill the will to live are enough.

“The fourth treasure, heart. Your heart is filled only with envy, anger, hatred, and arrogance towards others. These things are not beneficial for the heart; rather, they are harmful. Remove them and fill your heart with love. Only one whose heart is filled with love and joy can give love and joy to others.”

“The fifth treasure, body. Do not use your healthy body solely for yourself, but for others as well. When you become benevolent, you will become even more enriched in that spirit. This spirit is the true wealth! Now tell me, with these five treasures, are you poor or wealthy?”

The disciple replied, “Lord, you have made me realize my wealth. I will make good use of these treasures and help others realize them too. If everyone were to recognize these treasures and decide to use them correctly, how wealthy this world would be, wouldn’t it?”