"In the Midst of Abundance: Letting Go to Live Free"

 

In searching for a topic today, I came across five quotes from Buddha, one of which stood out more than the others:  

“To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance.” — Buddha

This quote lingered with me, especially as I thought about something I’ve noticed many times in cemeteries—large monuments, family tombs, or elaborate headstones. Much like the pyramids of Egypt, they stand as grand, lasting evidence of someone’s status, wealth, or legacy.

I’m not trying to judge the individuals or families behind these structures—each story is unique—but I do sometimes wonder: Do these monuments guarantee anything on the other side of the veil?

This question brings to mind the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10:17–22. He sincerely wanted to follow Jesus Christ but was troubled when the Lord told him:

“Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor… and come, take up the cross, and follow me.”
—Mark 10:21 (KJV)

The young man walked away sorrowful—because he had great wealth.

In recovery, we learn that clinging to selfish desires is the real chain. As the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous puts it:

“Selfishness—self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.” — AA, p. 62

And yet we are reminded that recovery is not a bleak life of loss, but one of abundance in a different sense:

“We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free… we try to live life on God’s terms, not ours.” — AA, p. 133

I’ve learned in recovery—and in faith—that surrendering ownership and attachment to the things of this world is well worth the price for the freedom, peace, and clarity it brings.

Chuck Palahniuk, in modern terms, says: “The things you own end up owning you.” 

And Socrates wisely adds: “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.”

Scripture reinforces this in unmistakable terms:

“Sell that ye have, and give alms… a treasure in the heavens that faileth not.” — Luke 12:33

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” — 1 Timothy 6:7

From my own Latter-day Saint faith, the Doctrine and Covenants reminds us:

“It must needs be done in mine own way… that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low.” — D&C 104:16

And Elder Neal A. Maxwell put it plainly:

“What do we own? Nothing, really. What stewardship has the Lord given us? Everything.”

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Conclusion:

So what is the legacy that matters?

I believe it’s not what we build out of stone, but what we give away in love. Not what we hold in vaults, but what we pour out in service. The pure, unselfish life Buddha describes—and Christ commands—is one where our treasure is not in what we keep, but in what we release.

In the end, the legacy that speaks most loudly is the one that needs no monument—just good deeds, sincere kindness, and a life lived for others.

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Attached Buddha Quotes:

• "There is no fear for one whose mind is not filled with desires."

• "To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance."

• "If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart."

• "All that we are is the result of what we have thought."

• "Do not look for a sanctuary in anyone except your self."