What comes to your mind when you see the phrase, “from austerity to prosperity,” for the first time? Poverty? Hardship? How can prosperity be achieved through austerity? In our modern society, people seek fame and fortune and strive to satisfy their every need. So why are we advocating austerity? What is the purpose of introducing this concept now, and who is the intended target?
We are facing imminent problems that have a serious effect on our lives, such as rising temperatures and shortages of water and food. We must confront these life-and-death problems and find solutions. We should start by avoiding extravagance. We must return to a simpler, more natural way of living, and restrain our hearts so they do not run away with our desires.
Austerity means choosing simplicity and self-discipline, and forgoing excess. If we minimize our desires, keep our minds clean and pure, and strive to benefit others, our life of austerity will lead us to wealth and contentment physically, mentally, and spiritually, which is true prosperity.
Details
Language: English
Author: Shih Cheng Yen
Translation Team: Translation Team of the Tzu Chi USA
Publisher: Jing Si Publications, Taiwan
Pages: 208
Paperback
Release date: August, 2013
List Price: NT$350
