It is difficult to see the way to freedom from materialism, because normally no one wants to think that he has become a slave to materialism. There are many people consuming and using material goods to raise their status and impress friends; they believe that they are the masters of these goods and that they are already free of them. No one thinks of the variety of sorrows that come from attachment to materialism. These sorrows are due to the influence of material goods that have overcome the mind; they trample over the mind according to their whims.

– Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu –

– – ❖ – –

From “FOOD FOR THOUGHT,” translated from the Thai by Grant A. Olson.