From a series of private interviews with Matthieu Ricard conducted by Vadivu Govind in Singapore in September 2012, during which she assumed the role of a wealthy leader and posed some thoughts such a leader may have to Matthieu.
How do I have a peaceful death?
Prepare yourself so that you have no regrets. Think now. The things that you do, like trying to get rid of your competitors, and making one more million dollars, are they going to bring you a peaceful death? Are you really going to be happy when you die?
Now imagine that you spend quality time with your family and think, ‟I have accumulated some wealth but I use it in such wonderful, compassionate ways. I’ve contributed to society. Then when the last moment comes, I can rejoice in that and think ‟Ah, that was well done!””
But if you just have this big bank account, no one sees a coffin going out with a coffer. You’re not going to take it with you for sure.
Interview conducted by: Vadivu Govind, Director, Joy Works (joyworks.sg) on 13 Sept. 2012, Poh Ming Tse Temple, Singapore. She blogs at happiness.sg.