A Collection of Buddhist Wisdom Verses - Ancient Buddhist Texts

17: Wealth
338. Evam-eva idhekacco, saṅgharitvā bahuṁ dhanaṁ,
Nevattano na ñātīnaṁ yathodhiṁ paṭipajjati.
So it is for some people here,
They collect a great deal of wealth,
But they do not spend those riches
On themselves or their relatives.
339. Na so acchādanaṁ bhattaṁ na mālaṁ na vilepanaṁ
Anubhoti sakiṁ kiñci, na saṅgaṇhāti ñātake.
Neither clothing, food or ointments
Does he ever enjoy himself,
Nor does he treat his relatives.
340. Tassevaṁ vilapantassa, Mayhaṁ mayhan!-ti rakkhato,
Rājāno atha vā corā, dāyādā ye ca appiyā,
Dhanam-ādāya gacchanti, vilapatveva so naro.
This is mine, mine! he cries out loud,
But while he is still lamenting,
Either kings, thieves, or those disliked,
Take his wealth and then go away,
Leaving that man to his lament.
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