Question:

       Namo Amitabha Buddha. Dear Dharma Master, is there any way I can  become the richest person in the world in my next life, afterall, Buddhism teaches that there is a next life after this one ?

Answer:

        It seems the idea of becoming the richest person in the world is always appealing! If you hope to enjoy riches in the next life, you must begin by planting the right seeds now. In Buddhist teachings, wealth arises from the practice of generosity (dana). If you truly want to become wealthy in your next life, start cultivating a spirit of giving.

       This means offering not only material possessions, but also your time, wisdom, and even dedicating your life to benefit others. The broader and deeper this selfless offering, the greater the karmic reward in the next life. Just as when you smile at someone and receive a smile in return. Likewise, when you offer what you have to help others, you sow the seeds for your own future abundance.

       So, begin by looking for opportunities to practice genuine giving. Develop a sincere heart that is selfless and committed to helping others. For instance, if you come across someone who is living in extreme poverty, struggling to even find their next meal, don’t hesitate – give them everything you can. But remember, true generosity is not about giving leftovers or things you no longer value. It’s not about keeping the best for yourself while offering others what’s worn out or unwanted. That kind of giving lacks sincerity and purity.

       To practice generosity meaningfully, it’s also important to know where your giving will have the greatest impact. In Buddhist teachings, we refer to this as “fields of merit.” Just as farmers plant their crops in fertile soil for the best harvest, we should direct our offerings to places where they will grow into the greatest blessings.

       The most supreme field of merit is the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. By supporting temples, monks and nuns, and helping disseminate Buddhist teachings you plant seeds for profound blessings.

       Parents come next, representing a deeply personal field of merit through honouring and caring for them. Those who are poor or disadvantaged represent a wonderful field of merit as well.

       The True Wealth of the Pure Land 

       Now, as for whether you’ll become the first or seventh richest in the next life depends on what you do in this life. However, the Buddha teaches us a sobering truth: worldly wealth is not what truly matters – it’s fleeting and does not last. Instead, the greatest fortune lies in aspiring for rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss through the sincere recitation of Amitabha Buddha’s name. 

       Why? Because being reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss means to possess the greatest wealth of all: perfect Buddhahood. This includes boundless wisdom, infinite blessings, and immeasurable compassion. It also includes lasting joy and eternal life. Without these, life loses its deeper meaning.

       What Does It Mean to Be Truly Rich? 

       Even the wealthiest person in the world is still poor in many ways. Why? Because their life span is limited, their health is fragile, their wisdom is incomplete, their morality is imperfect, and their understanding of life’s truth is shallow. When someone is lacking in so many areas, can we truly call them rich? 

       At the moment of death, even if someone’s hands are overflowing with money, it won’t change how they are received by King Yama, the judge of the afterlife. Wealth and power cannot buy peace of mind, nor can they guarantee a good rebirth. 

       This is why I encourage you to seek the ultimate wealth: inner peace through the Buddha’s teachings, and rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, where you can awaken to your true Buddha nature. That is what it means to be the richest in the world.

       Namo Amitabha Buddha. May your dream come true in the greatest sense—may you find true wealth, peace, and purpose through the Buddha’s compassionate vow.

(Translated by the Pure Land School Translation Team;
edited by Householder Fojin)