“Monks, let me share with you the seven true treasures of life. These are not the kind of treasures you can store in vaults or spend like gold and jewels. These treasures are far more valuable, as they guide you toward inner peace, fulfillment, and wisdom. What are these seven treasures? They are the treasure of faith, the treasure of integrity, the treasure of self-respect, the treasure of responsibility, the treasure of learning, the treasure of generosity, and the treasure of wisdom.
“So, what is the treasure of faith? This treasure lies in the deep trust and confidence a disciple places in the Tathāgata’s awakening. It’s the unwavering belief that the Blessed One, the Buddha, is truly awakened and fully enlightened. A disciple with this treasure understands: ‘Indeed, the Blessed One is worthy and enlightened, clear in his knowledge and perfect in his conduct. He has followed the right path, mastered the nature of the universe, and has become an unrivaled teacher, helping those ready to learn. He teaches not only humans but also gods, having awakened to the ultimate truth.’ This faith is a foundation, a compass that keeps the disciple on the path to liberation. This is called the treasure of faith.
“And what is the treasure of integrity? This treasure comes from living a life aligned with one’s highest principles. A disciple with integrity abstains from actions that harm others or themselves. They refrain from taking life, stealing, engaging in sexual misconduct, lying, or indulging in intoxicants that cloud the mind and lead to carelessness. To possess integrity is to walk a path of honesty, respect, and compassion toward all living beings. It’s not just about following rules but embodying the qualities of a noble, trustworthy person. This, monks, is called the treasure of integrity.
“And what is the treasure of self-respect? It’s a treasure that lives in the heart, where a disciple has a deep sense of honor and dignity. With this treasure, they would feel shame at the very thought of engaging in misconduct—whether through harmful actions, hurtful words, or negative thoughts. They respect themselves enough not to fall into behaviors that degrade their character or lead to suffering. They feel shame at the prospect of acting against their values or slipping into unskillful and harmful actions. This is called the treasure of self-respect.
“And what is the treasure of responsibility? This treasure comes from an inner understanding that one’s actions matter, and that every choice carries consequences. A disciple who holds this treasure feels a sense of accountability for their deeds. They understand that engaging in wrongful behavior—whether physical, verbal, or mental—can lead to suffering not only for themselves but for others. With responsibility comes a deep concern for the effects of their actions and a commitment to avoid harmful behaviors. They avoid evil not out of fear, but out of genuine care for the well-being of themselves and others. This is the treasure of responsibility.
“And what is the treasure of learning? This treasure belongs to the disciple who is eager to listen, to study, and to reflect on the teachings. Such a disciple has heard much and remembered it, taking in the teachings that are profound at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. These teachings are not just words, but pathways to understanding life’s purpose and the nature of existence. The disciple reflects on these teachings, discusses them with others, and examines them deeply with their own mind. Through learning, their understanding grows, and they become wise in seeing the truth of things. This treasure of learning helps them to develop insight and wisdom. This is called the treasure of learning.
“And what is the treasure of generosity? This treasure resides in the open-hearted nature of a disciple who loves to give. They live with a heart free from greed, untouched by the stain of stinginess. At home and in the world, they are generous and willing to share what they have. They take joy in giving freely, whether it’s wealth, time, or effort. Such a person delights in being helpful and responsive to the needs of others. For them, giving is not a burden but a source of happiness. They take pleasure in the act of giving and are always ready to support those in need, whether through material gifts or through kindness and service. This is called the treasure of generosity.
“And finally, what is the treasure of wisdom? This treasure is the crown jewel of all the others. It is found in the disciple who sees things as they truly are. With wisdom, they understand the nature of life—how everything rises and passes away. They see that all things are impermanent, subject to change, and that clinging to them only leads to suffering. Their insight is deep and penetrating, showing them the path toward freedom from stress and pain. Through wisdom, they are guided toward peace, toward the ultimate release from suffering. Wisdom helps them make decisions that lead to lasting happiness, not just fleeting pleasures. This is called the treasure of wisdom.
“These, monks, are the seven treasures.”
Faith,
Integrity,
Self-respect,
Responsibility,
Learning,
Generosity,
And wisdom as the seventh treasure.
Whoever possesses these treasures—whether man or woman—is truly wealthy, regardless of material possessions. They are rich in the things that truly matter, and their life has not been lived in vain.
So, cultivate faith and integrity,
Grow in generosity and wisdom,
And walk the path with responsibility and learning,
Always remembering the teachings of the Buddhas,
Which guide you toward peace, fulfillment, and true wealth.”
Wisdom Tea 
[…] Source: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/09/13/treasure/ […]
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