However, for those who have taken the leap for the simple life, there’s no turning back as they ditch their branded suits and hi-tech gadgets, dictated by needs not wants.
While the choices may seem radical to some, those who have done it report happier and more contented lives. Indeed, snubbing materialism for a more meaningful life is more common these days than you think.
Perhaps the most prolific is Ven Siripanyo, the son of T. Ananda Krishnan, Malaysia’s second richest man with an estimated wealth of US$9.9bil (RM30bil) according to Forbes’ latest list of wealthiest people.
The Buddhist monk who grew up in London, walked away from his father’s multimedia empire at age 18 after he was ordained in Thailand. In a YouTube video posted on a Buddhist website, Ven Siripanyo, sharing his early experiences, says “the most valuable thing we can do is to make our minds peaceful.”
His father, nicknamed AK, is the man behind two telecommunication companies Maxis Communications and Measat Broadcast Network Systems (Astro) and three communication satellites orbiting the earth.
Like Ven Siripanyo, electrical engineer-turned-businessman Kenny Ng, 51, too walked away from the concrete jungle five years ago, uprooting his family from Penang to embrace life as an organic farmer in Chenderiang, Perak.
“My engineering business was profitable but it was a hectic lifestyle filled with constant pressure,” he shares.
“My wife and I were looking forward to changing our lifestyle, having been influenced by Dr Lai Chiu-Nan, the founder of the Lapis Lazuli Light’ philosophy of a simple life.
“Now, we enjoy ourselves every day as we have more time for each other and the nature that surrounds us. Life is good. I believe I’ve made the right decision. I’ve not bought new clothing for myself in the last seven years and am still using a Nokia 1280 handphone which I guess is obsolete now,” he laughs.
His two daughters, who are pursuing their tertiary education, are equally supportive.
– Read more : www.buddhistchannel.tv
