written by Sanjeev Prasher from Amritsar, India
I observe that vipassana students generally shy away from discussing or accepting the truth about these two things- ‘Money and Sex’. I have been practicing vipassana for the last 10 years and observe that our interest decreases in sex as we make progress on this path. It also creates problems in balancing our married life as it is also our duty to fulfill our partner’s needs. Our partner may often complain about our diminishing interest in this sensual pleasure. I always try to fulfill my partner’s sensual needs but it becomes a difficult job as one progresses on this path.
Now, coming to money- a question keeps on pricking us quite often that how much money should we have while following this path. I feel that money is no less than poison. One should have only that much money which can fulfill his/her personal and family’s material needs. But, at the same time it is difficult to define the word ‘needs’. what is luxury for one may be a need for the other. I feel that money should be sufficient to fulfill our basic needs like food, shelter, clothes, education, transportation. Besides, one should have some money for emergency medical needs. Beyond that, it is all greed. People generally say that life has no meaning without money. But, I feel that money creates more problems than it solves. It is also a cause for many vices in the society.
Please share your views on this topic.
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