The Real Investment: What Thieves Can’t Steal and Banks Can’t Crash | Calm Mind.

The Real Investment: What Thieves Can’t Steal and Banks Can’t Crash

    In today's fast-moving world, everyone is talking about investing. People around the globe rush to put their money in fixed deposits, gold, real estate, lands, stocks, cryptocurrencies, treasury bills, and even foreign exchange markets. Why? Because everyone wants comfort, wealth, and most importantly security.

But here's the million-dollar question: Are these really secure?

You might think yes. But let’s take a closer look.

Fixed Deposits The Old School Comfort Zone

What Are Fixed Deposits?

Fixed Deposits (FDs) are savings locked in the bank for a fixed period with an interest rate. Many believe they’re the safest option.

But Are They Really Safe?

Yes, the return is low-risk. But imagine the bank collapses. Your hard-earned money, which was meant to grow slowly and steadily, is gone overnight. It has happened before. Economic crises and mismanagement have wiped out lives’ savings.

Gold – The Glittering Trap?

The Shiny Safety Net

Gold has been treasured for centuries. It never goes out of style. People buy it to feel secure during inflation.

Can Gold Save You?

What if your house gets robbed? Or you lose the gold in a fire? Or governments restrict gold holdings during national emergencies?

Gold, too, is vulnerable.

Real Estate – Earth Beneath Your Feet

Property and Land – A Long-Term Asset

Buying land or a home is often seen as a wise investment. It appreciates with time and provides a sense of physical security.

But Is It Disaster-Proof?

Ever heard of floods, earthquakes, land disputes, or legal scams? A natural or man-made crisis can turn your real estate dream into a nightmare.

The Stock Market – Risky Business in Disguise

A Game of Rise and Fall

Stock markets are thrilling and offer potentially high returns. But even seasoned investors lose fortunes overnight.

Volatility is the Name of the Game

You never really own peace in the market. A simple crash can wipe out your retirement fund, just like that.

Treasury Bills and Bonds – The Government Backed Safety?

A Safe Bet?

T-bills and government bonds are considered safe since they’re backed by the government.

But What If the Government Fails?

Economic collapse, war, or political instability can render even the strongest economies weak think of Sri Lanka, Greece, or Venezuela. Government securities aren't immune.

Cryptocurrency – The Digital Mirage

Bitcoin and Beyond

Crypto has become the trend of modern-day investors. Fast money. Global access.

But Hackers and Crashes Lurk

Crypto can vanish in a hack. And regulatory bans can wipe your account clean.

So, What Is Truly Secure?

We invest in all these for one purpose — comfort, happiness, security, and freedom.

But what if all these fail you?

Here’s the truth — they might.

So what can never be stolen? What can never lose its value?

The Investment No Thief Can Steal — Merits

A Divine Question and a Timeless Answer

Once, a celestial being asked the Supreme Buddha:

“Kinsu chorehi duharanti?”

(“What is the one thing thieves cannot steal?”)

The Supreme Buddha replied:

“Punnam chorehi duharanti”

(“Merit is the only thing thieves cannot steal.”)

Isn’t that powerful?

What Are Merits?

The Real Wealth

Merit (Punna in Pali) refers to the positive energy generated by wholesome deeds, compassion, generosity, virtue, and wisdom.

It Lives in Your Mind

Merits don’t need vaults or banks. They reside in your consciousness. When you die, they travel with you. Into the next life, the next rebirth into better realms.

The Supreme Investment Strategy — Parallel Investment

You don’t have to give up FDs or gold. But consider this:

Why not invest in both the material and the moral world?

Buy land, but also donate a meal.

Hold gold, but also support a child’s education.

Buy stocks, but also rescue an animal, care for your parents, or observe the precepts.

These acts create immortal merits.

Comfort = Merits

The Supreme Buddha said:

“Sukassetaṁ adhivacanaṁ yadidaṁ puññaṁ.”

(“The synonym of happiness is merit.”)

Think about it. We chase after comfort through money. But real comfort that deep, unshakable, peaceful joy comes from a pure mind filled with merit.

Merit: The Investment With Compound Interest

Every good deed creates mental energy that grows over time like compounding interest.

But unlike banks, this interest never crashes. It becomes a shield, a guiding force, and your passport to heavenly rebirth.

Real-Life Examples of Merit’s Power

• A poor woman gives food to a monk daily. In her next life, she’s born in a divine world.

• A man releases animals from slaughter. He lives long and healthy.

• A youth protects the environment. He gains peace and honor in society.

These are real stories from the Tipitaka and our world.

Final Message – Build Your True Wealth

Every rupee you invest in gold or land is temporary.

But every act of kindness, every precept kept, every Dhamma listened to, every generous heart-beat they become your real treasure.

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Conclusion

Real investment is not just about money it’s about meaning. While banks, stocks, and gold can disappear, merits are indestructible. They don’t get stolen, don’t lose value, and don’t disappear with death.

Invest wisely. Not only for this life but for the next one too. Parallel your financial portfolio with a merit portfolio.

You’ll sleep better at night. And wake up in a better realm.

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FAQs

1. Can merits really influence the next life?

Yes, according to the Supreme Buddha, your rebirth and conditions of existence are directly influenced by the merits you have accumulated.

2. How can I earn merits daily?

Simple acts like generosity, kindness, mindfulness, precept-observance, and listening to the Dhamma earn you merit.

3. Are fixed deposits or gold bad?

Not at all. They are useful. But they shouldn’t be your only form of investment. Parallel moral investment is key.

4. What’s the most powerful merit-making act?

Supporting the Dhamma (truth) helping others to learn, understand, or practice the Dhamma is highly praised by the Supreme Buddha.

5. Is there proof that merit protects us in this life too?

Yes, many suttas and real-life experiences show how people with merit get protection from accidents, illnesses, and misfortune.

Namo Buddhaya!