The Best Way to Make Money

You have eight ways to make money.

1. Lie to get it.
2. Cheat someone out of their money.
3. Steal it
4. Beg for it.
5. Make threats.
6. Hurt someone to get it.
7. Demand someone give it to you.
8. Earn it.

Of course, the last way is the only sure way to make money. In fact, it is not only the easiest, it can make you wealthy.

You earn money by providing a service or product that people need. You deliver the product, provide the service or you do the job. You then get paid.

But . . .

At first, you might have questions like these.

“What if I don’t have any money. You need money to make money, right?”
“What if I’m stuck in a job and don’t have time for anything else?”
“What if I don’t have anything to sell?”

Luckily, anyone can make money or increase his or her income, no matter what.

Even if you are a homeless, crippled old man.

How a Beggar Increased His Income

Hundreds of years ago, a Buddhist monk was walking down a road when he saw a beggar sitting near a river. He looked old, dirty, crippled and very unhappy. The beggar said, “Father, may I ask you a question?”

The monk said, “Yes, of course.”

The beggar said, “I’m so hungry. I have no money and I have no work. All I can do is beg. Will I have to beg for the rest of my life?

“Before I give you my answer,” the monk said, “I am thirsty. Can you bring me some water from that river?”

The beggar said, “I have no bowl, but I can borrow one from a friend if you wait.”

The monk waited for the beggar to bring the water. The beggar hobbled to his friend to get the bowl. He filled it with water and brought it to the monk. The monk was grateful which made the beggar happy.

The monk said, “Yes, you can earn all the money you need.”

The beggar said, “How Father? How is this possible?”

The monk said, “You need to give something of value to others.”

The beggar said, “But what do I give? I have no farm, I have no possessions, I don’t even have a bowl. I have nothing to give.”

The monk said, “What did you just do for me?”

The beggar was confused. The monk continued.

“You have many things. You have a smile. You can make people feel a little more cheerful by smiling at them. You can wish them well. You can give directions or bring them water. You help people get what they need and they help you in return. You have more than you realize. Give people what they need and you will earn what you need.”

The beggar was not sure if this would work, but he thanked the monk and the monk left.

The beggar sat and waited for people to walk by. He smiled at each person and a few returned his smile. He was kind and respectful. One person gave him one yen. Another gave him a small cabbage.

He then stood up and greeted each person with a big smile. More people smiled back and his borrowed bowl soon had several coins and more food. He shared his earnings with his friend who gave him that bowl to keep, and he gave him a blanket, as well.

The beggar kept finding more ways to help people. He became a local guide, offered water and more. Travelers began to enjoy seeing him each time they walked on the road. They enjoyed giving him food and money.

The beggar loved his job. Thanks to his earnings, he became healthier, cleaner and happier. He worked all day and was generous to other beggars at night. He was never hungry again.

The Lesson

The beggar provided a small, but valuable service that required no special skill, no education and no money to get started. He gave a small amount of pleasure to travelers.

He gave this service to as many travelers as he could. He constantly improved this service. He became known as a pleasurable part of their journeys. He was always there and always ready to make people a little happier.

He did not lie, cheat, steal, beg, make threats, demand money or hurt anyone.

He created a source of income and earned it.

You can and should do the same.