‘I’ve enjoyed my wealth, <j>supporting those who depend on me; I’ve overcome losses; I’ve given uplifting religious donations; and made the five spirit-offerings. I have served the ethical and disciplined spiritual practitioners.

I’ve achieved the goal for which an astute layperson wishes to gain wealth. I don’t regret what I’ve done.’

A mortal man who recollects this stands firm in the teaching of the noble ones. They’re praised in this life, and they depart to rejoice in heaven.”

Numbered Discourses 4.62 7. Fitting Deeds Debtlessness

Then the householder Anāthapiṇḍika went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him:

“Householder, these four kinds of happiness can be earned by a layperson who enjoys sensual pleasures, depending on time and occasion. What four? The happiness of ownership, using wealth, debtlessness, and blamelessness.

And what is the happiness of ownership? It’s when a gentleman owns legitimate wealth that he has earned by his own efforts and initiative, built up with his own hands, gathered by the sweat of the brow. When he reflects on this, he’s filled with pleasure and happiness. This is called ‘the happiness of ownership’.