IF YOU WANT HAPPINESS, DON'T JUST SAVE MONEY

IF YOU WANT HAPPINESS, DON'T JUST SAVE MONEY

In today's world, people are constantly striving to keep up with the demands of life.  As a result, saving money and managing expenses wisely are considered essential and responsible habits.  However, if we only focus on preserving our wealth while neglecting other valuable aspects of life, true happiness and peace of mind may remain out of reach.

A wise person understands that there are things far more precious than money.  These are the treasures we should learn to preserve and cultivate in order to live a peaceful life and accumulate blessings for both the present and the future.  So what are these priceless assets?

1. Preserve Your Health

There is an old saying: "Health is wealth."  Indeed, even if you possess great riches, they mean little if your body is weak and burdened by illness.  Money cannot always buy back lost health.

Good health does not happen by accident.  It requires proper care through adequate sleep, healthy eating habits, and regular exercise.  Many people sacrifice their health in pursuit of wealth, only to spend that wealth later trying to regain their health.

Therefore, learn to conserve your strength.  Avoid overworking yourself.  Do not become so consumed with making money that you neglect your well-being. Stay away from harmful habits and activities that damage your body and mind.

A person who takes care of their health will always have the energy to work, serve others, and enjoy life. This is one of the wisest investments you can make.

2. Value and Save Your Time

You have probably heard the saying, "Time is gold."  In truth, time is even more valuable than gold because once it is gone, it can never be recovered.

Many people waste precious hours on meaningless arguments, endless scrolling through social media, or activities that bring no real benefit.  Such habits only drain energy and leave the mind exhausted.

Learn to use your time wisely.  Dedicate it to what truly matters: family, career, education, self-improvement, and meaningful relationships.  Avoid toxic influences and invest your time in pursuits that enrich your life.

A meaningful life is built and wisely spent one day at a time.

3. Guard Your Words

An old proverb teaches:

"Words cost nothing, yet they can bring great comfort or great harm."

This wisdom remains true today.  We do not always need to prove that we are right, nor must we win every argument.  Sometimes, knowing when to remain silent is a sign of wisdom.

Kind and encouraging words are often more valuable than money.  A few sincere words can inspire hope, heal emotional wounds, and strengthen relationships.

Avoid gossip, harsh criticism, and unnecessary talk.  In Buddhist teachings, speech is a powerful source of karma.  By speaking thoughtfully and compassionately, we not only benefit others but also preserve our own merit and virtue.

4. Cultivate and Protect Your Virtue

The elders taught: "A person with virtue will never lack blessings."

Virtue and merit are like an invisible treasure.  They are accumulated through good deeds and depleted by harmful actions.

To preserve your virtue means not wasting the good karma you have created.  At the same time, continue to build it through acts of kindness, generosity, gratitude, honesty, and compassion.

Help those in need.  Respect your elders.  Treat others fairly and with dignity.  Live according to your conscience.

Virtue is the root of a happy life.  Just as a tree flourishes when its roots are strong, a person's life prospers when it is grounded in goodness.  The blessings generated by virtuous living often extend to future generations as well.

5. Protect Your Inner Peace

In modern society, many people exhaust themselves emotionally over things that are not worth their energy. Anger, jealousy, resentment, and bitterness only create suffering and rob us of our peace.

Choose a simple life.  You do not need many friends – only sincere ones.  Avoid investing your emotions in people who do not value your kindness.

When difficulties arise, learn to let go and forgive. Holding on to resentment only burdens the heart, while forgiveness creates space for healing and peace.

By reducing negative emotions, you make room for joy, gratitude, optimism, and contentment.

Conclusion

Many people spend their lives accumulating wealth while unknowingly sacrificing their health, time, virtue, and peace of mind.  This is often a poor trade.

True happiness is not measured by how much money you possess, but by how well you preserve life's most valuable treasures.  When you learn to protect your health, use your time wisely, guard your speech, cultivate virtue, and maintain inner peace, you are following the golden rules of a happy and meaningful life.

These treasures may be invisible, but they are worth far more than any material possession.

Korean Black Beans Side Dish (Kongjorim)

Korean Black Beans Side Dish (Kongjorim)

This Korean black beans side dish is a popular dish served in many Korean restaurants.  It can be made with either black beans or yellow soybeans, but black beans are more commonly seen.  This is an easy recipe you can make at home using an Instant Pot and just a few simple ingredients.  It’s commonly served cold or at room temperature and keeps well in the fridge for several days.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry black beans
• 2 cups water
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 2 tbsp honey or syrup
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small piece of ginger, minced

Directions:

1. Wash and rinse the dry black beans thoroughly.

2. Add the beans, water, and all remaining ingredients into the Instant Pot.

3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.

4. Allow the pressure to be released naturally.

5. Once done, the beans are ready to serve.

Serving:
Sprinkle with roasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and garnish.

 

The following is traditional kongjorim that is usually simmered slowly and has a deeper, slightly savory-sweet balance (less "saucy" and is more glossy and concentrated).  Here’s a more authentic version with stovetop instructions:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry black soybeans (or regular black beans)
• 2 ½ cups water (for cooking)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1–2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup (optional, for shine and stickiness)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small piece ginger, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp roasted sesame seeds

Directions (Stovetop Method):

1. Rinse the beans well, then soak them in water for 6–8 hours or overnight.  Drain before cooking.

2. In a pot, add the soaked beans and 2 ½ cups fresh water.  Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 20–30 minutes, or until the beans are tender but not falling apart.

3. Add soy sauce, sugar, corn syrup (if using), garlic, and ginger.  Stir well.

4. Continue simmering while uncovered over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and thickens into a glossy coating (about 15–25 minutes).

5. Once most of the liquid has evaporated, stir in sesame oil.

6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly – it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Serving:
Sprinkle with roasted sesame seeds and serve as a side dish with rice.

Tips:

• Traditional kongjorim is not too sweet – adjust sugar to your preference.
• The beans should be soft but still hold their shape.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; flavor improves over time.

The Chain of Happiness

We often believe that life will feel more complete once we get married and have children.  Then one day, we realize our children are still too young, and we comfort ourselves: “When they grow a little older, everything will be easier.”

We tell ourselves that we will be happy when our children are settled, when we can finally relax and travel, and ultimately, when we retire.

But when they reach their teenage years, we continue to worry, to follow every change, and once again hope that life will feel lighter when they become adults. Even when they start their own families, we still cannot stop caringwe still try to help them build a stable life, a home of their own.

And then it dawns on us: life is a chain of worries, one after another, like waves in the ocean that never stop rolling.

Yet the simplest – and hardest – truth to accept is this: there is no perfect moment to be happy.

So when is the happiest time?

Life is, by nature, full of challenges, demands, and pressures.  Perhaps the most important realization is this: the present moment – right now – is the only place where we truly live, even if it still carries unhealed sorrows.

For a very long time, I believed my life was about to begin – a “real” life that is more complete and meaningful.  But there was always something to take care of: a challenge to overcome, unfinished work, bills to pay, and loved ones who needed me by their side.

And I kept telling myself: “Once all of this is done, I will start living.”

Only later did I understand that life does not wait for us to finish everything.  It is happening in the very moments we unknowingly let slip away, as we keep waiting for a “perfect day” that never truly exists.

I spent my entire youth taking care of my family.  And only when I reached what people call the golden years did I come to realize something so simple: those busy days – the worries, the stumbles, the times I rose again despite exhaustion – were the true essence of life.

Looking back from where I stand now, I see that there is no path leading to a fixed “destination of happiness.” Happiness is not a reward at the end of the journey, nor a milestone to be reached.  It is a state of mind – present in every moment when we pause, listen to ourselves, and smile at the simple things.

So cherish every moment.

Do not wait any longer: not to graduate, not to return to school, not to lose or gain weight, not for a new job, not for marriage, not for the weekend, not for a new car, not to pay off debts, not for one season to pass into another, etc.

Because the more you wait, the more you lose the moments you are living.

Do not wait for some future day to allow yourself to be happy.  Happiness is not a destination.  It is the quiet flow of small moments, gently connected together – right along the path you are walking, in every breath you are still here to take, and, if you are fortunate, beside the life partner who is still walking that path with you.

Braised Mushrooms with Pepper

Braised Mushrooms with Pepper is a flavorful vegetarian dish that highlights the natural sweetness of mushrooms balanced by the bold, spicy warmth of black pepper and chili.  It pairs perfectly with steamed rice and can be made with any combination of your favorite mushrooms.

Serves: 2–3

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

Mushrooms:

½ lb (225 g) mixed mushrooms, such as:

King oyster mushrooms

Straw mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms

White button mushrooms

Braising Sauce Ingredients:

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp vegetarian fish sauce

¼ cup water

Aromatics:

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 shallot, minced

1 tsp fresh ginger, shredded

1 Thai chili, finely sliced (optional)

Optional Garnish:

Fresh cilantro leaves

Directions:

Clean the mushrooms thoroughly.  Slice the king oyster mushrooms into 1-inch pieces.  Trim the stems from the remaining mushrooms and separate them into bite-sized pieces, if needed.

In a small bowl, combine the black pepper, soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, vegetarian fish sauce, and water.  Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Heat a little oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallot, ginger, and Thai chili.  Sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Add all of the mushrooms and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until they begin to soften.

Pour in the braising sauce and toss to coat the mushrooms evenly.  Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the lid and continue cooking for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and lightly glaze the mushrooms.

Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve hot with steamed rice.

 

Don't Live Someone Else's Life

There are people who grow up with a habit that is difficult to recognize: they live more for others than for themselves.  This is not because they are weak or lack strength of character.  Rather, from a very early age, they learned to survive by pleasing their loved ones.

When their parents were sad, they tried to make them happy.  When their siblings faced problems, they rushed in to solve them.  When family members experienced loss, they tried to compensate for it. When the family imposed expectations, they obediently followed them.  Over time, all this gradually formed an unconscious belief:

To be loved, I must sacrifice.  To be accepted, I must carry others' burdens.  To keep the peace, I must forget myself.

At some point, however, the body and mind begin to sound the alarm.  They feel exhausted but dare not say so.  They feel resentful but are consumed by guilt.  They want to help, but harbor growing bitterness.  They want to step away, yet fear being misunderstood.

As a result, they grow up no longer knowing what they truly want and are unable to distinguish between what they genuinely desire and what they do merely out of fear of disappointing, upsetting, or hurting others.

These are signs of a common form of boundary injury, especially in many Asian families: the blurring of the line between one's own life and the lives of others. When boundaries fade, the emotions of loved ones become your emotions, their responsibilities become your responsibilities, and closeness turns into a burden.

In Buddhist thought, this is called attachment.  In psychology, it may be described as unhealthy enmeshment or codependency.  Whatever the name, the essence is the same: you have spent too long living in a role that was never truly yours.

What is sad is that when you help too much, relationships often do not improve – they become dependent.  The person receiving help loses the ability to stand on their own, while you become the crutch they automatically lean on.  Gratitude gradually turns into expectation.  Kindness becomes obligation. Sacrifice becomes resentment.

Neither person is truly happy.

This is why family therapy emphasizes that close relationships require connection, but not fusion.  Each person must stand in their own life, take responsibility for their own choices, and respect the boundaries of others.

Living for yourself is not selfish.

When you are firmly grounded in your own life, you can love others in a healthy, wise, and sustainable way. And when boundaries are established, family relationships become lighter and clearer.  Unspoken resentment fades.  Excessive sacrifice disappears. Unrealistic expectations no longer wound everyone involved.

Living for yourself means knowing what you feel, what you want, how much you can endure, and what is not yours to carry.   It means being able to say “no” without guilt, helping others without losing yourself, and loving people without erasing your own identity.

Most importantly, realize this:

You were not born to live someone else's life.  You were born to live your own life.

When you return to yourself, you not only heal your own wounds – you also help your family become healthier, more mature, and more capable of loving one another in the right way.

According to Buddhism, living for others to the point of losing yourself is a form of attachment.  When we treat the suffering of our loved ones as a burden we must personally carry, we unintentionally step into their lives and forget that each person has their own karma, lessons, and path to walk.

We can care.  We can support.  But we cannot live another person's life for them.

Helping without wisdom creates further entanglement.  Loving without boundaries turns into attachment.  The Buddha taught that we should clearly understand what belongs to us and what belongs to others; maintain a clear mind and a compassionate heart but do not allow ourselves to be swept away by someone else's karmic journey.

When we return to ourselves and stand firmly in our own lives, our love becomes truly pure.

Help with awareness, not with attachment.

Stir-Fried Eggplant with Mushrooms and Betel Leaves

Stir-Fried Eggplant with Mushrooms and Betel Leaves

The natural sweetness of eggplant combined with the savory texture of mushrooms makes this dish a delicious and nutritious choice for vegetarians seeking something different.  Fragrant betel and leaves, a popular herb in Vietnamese cuisine, add a distinctive aroma and subtle peppery flavor that elevates the dish.  Commonly used for wrapping and grilling meats, betel leaves are  equally delicious in soups and stir-fries. Rich in flavor and nutrients, they transform this simple recipe into a wholesome meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants
• About 10 fresh betel leaves, finely sliced
• 1 king oyster mushroom

Aromatics:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

Stir-Fry Sauce ingredients:

• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vegetarian seasoning powder
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Other items:

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Directions:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:

Peel and crush the garlic, finely chop the shallot, and mince the ginger.  Thinly slice the betel leaves and set aside.

Trim the stem ends from the eggplants and cut them into bite-sized slices.  Soak the eggplant in lightly salted water for about 5 minutes to prevent discoloration.

Slice the king oyster mushroom into bite-sized pieces.  Drain both the eggplant and mushrooms well before cooking.

2. Making the Stir-Fry Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine the cold water, sugar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and vegetarian seasoning powder.  Stir until well blended.

3. Stir-Frying the Vegetables:

Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.  Add the garlic, shallot, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.

Add the eggplant and mushrooms.   Stir-fry for several minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and lightly absorb the oil.  Continue cooking until the eggplant turns slightly golden and the mushrooms become tender.

Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly.

4. Simmering Until Tender:

Cover the pan and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to penetrate the vegetables.

5. Adding the Betel Leaves:

When the eggplant and mushrooms are almost fully cooked, add the sliced betel leaves.  Stir-fry for another minute until the leaves wilt and release their distinctive aroma.

6. Serving:

Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot with steamed rice for a simple, flavorful, and nourishing meal.

Serving Tip:

For extra richness, drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the finished dish before serving. The nutty aroma complements the earthy mushrooms and fragrant betel leaves beautifully.

Fried Chicken Wings with Onions

Fried Chicken Wings with Onions

If you love crispy fried or grilled chicken wings but want a dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice, this Vietnamese-style Fried Chicken Wings with Onions is an excellent choice.  Combining the savory flavors of East Asian cuisine with ingredients familiar to Western kitchens, this dish is simple to prepare yet packed with rich, irresistible flavor.  Tender chicken wings are marinated in a fragrant blend of seasonings, then pan-fried until golden brown and finished with aromatic onions, garlic, ginger, and scallions.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

6 chicken wings (about 8 wing pieces)

Aromatics:

1 small piece of ginger, finely chopped

1 shallot, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1–2 chilies, finely chopped (optional)

2 scallions, chopped

Marinade ingredients:

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine or rose wine

1 tablespoon soy sauce

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon honey or sugar

1 teaspoon chicken seasoning powder (or chicken bouillon powder)

Directions:

Preparing and Marinating the chicken:

Wash the chicken wings and pat them dry.  In a bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, chicken seasoning powder, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper.  Add the chicken wings and toss well to coat.  Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Preparing the aromatics:

Place the ginger, shallot, garlic, chilies, and scallions in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely minced.

Frying the chicken wings:

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add a small amount of oil.  Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken wings.  Fry gently, turning occasionally, until the wings are golden brown on both sides and cooked through.

Adding the aromatics:

When the wings are nearly done, add the minced ginger, garlic, shallot, chilies, and scallions to the pan.  Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.  Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serving:

Transfer the chicken wings to a serving plate and enjoy them hot with steamed rice.  For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Serving Tip:

The combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors makes this dish especially satisfying with jasmine rice.  The onions and herbs create a fragrant finish that elevates simple fried chicken wings into a comforting family-style meal.