Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears

The words of the Buddha, “Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue,” are as a lamp set before the wandering traveler. They remind us that the riches of existence are not jewels dug from the soil nor gold mined from the mountain, but the treasures born from the heart’s labor: virtue and wisdom. These are the riches that cannot be stolen by thieves, consumed by moth, or corroded by time. They are the true wealth, carried not in the hands but in the soul.

The Buddha likens virtue to treasures uncovered from the earth, for just as hidden gold lies beneath layers of rock and soil, so too does virtue reveal itself only through effort, discipline, and action. Good deeds are the spade that uncovers this treasure. When one acts with compassion, honesty, patience, and generosity, the virtue hidden within the human spirit is unearthed and made visible to the world. It does not appear by chance, nor by mere desire, but by the deliberate practice of goodness.

Likewise, wisdom arises not from noise and conflict but from the still waters of a pure and peaceful mind. Just as the moon is reflected only in calm waters, so too truth is revealed only to the tranquil soul. Anger, pride, and fear stir the mind into turbulence, making wisdom invisible. But when the heart is calmed, when desires are tempered, and when peace reigns within, the light of wisdom shines clear. The Buddha’s words teach us that the inward life is the soil from which understanding grows.

He speaks also of the maze of human life, that tangled path of choices, temptations, sorrows, and joys. Life is not a straight road, but a labyrinth where one may easily become lost. Riches cannot guide us, and strength alone cannot carry us safely through. To walk securely in this maze requires two lights: the guidance of virtue and the light of wisdom. Virtue is the compass that directs the steps toward good; wisdom is the lamp that reveals the safe path amid shadow. Together, they form the equipment of the soul in its journey.

History itself proves this truth. Consider Emperor Ashoka of India, once a conqueror drenched in blood, who turned his heart after the horrors of war. By embracing the teachings of the Buddha, he cast aside cruelty and ruled with compassion, spreading peace, hospitals, and care for both people and animals. His good deeds uncovered the treasure of virtue, and his meditation brought him wisdom. With these, he guided his empire through the maze of human life toward harmony. Without them, his name would have been remembered only as a tyrant. With them, he is remembered as a great and righteous king.

The heart of this teaching is eternal: wealth without virtue corrupts, and knowledge without wisdom destroys. The world tempts us with treasures of earth, but the true treasures lie in the character we shape and the peace we cultivate within. To live without virtue is to wander blindly, harming both self and others. To live without wisdom is to stumble even when our hearts mean well. But to live with both is to walk firmly, to stand with clarity, and to bring light into the lives of all we meet.

The lesson for us is clear: cultivate virtue by choosing daily to act with kindness, fairness, and compassion. Do not let opportunities for good pass by, for every small deed uncovers treasure within your soul. Cultivate wisdom by stilling the mind: practice silence, reflection, and patience, until your thoughts grow clear. When conflict arises, choose peace; when confusion threatens, seek understanding. These practices will equip you to walk safely through life’s maze, unshaken by shadows.

Thus the Buddha’s words endure: “One needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.” Take them as a torch for your journey. Do not spend your days digging for treasures of earth, which vanish, but dig instead into your soul, unearthing the treasures of virtue and wisdom. For these alone will guide you through the labyrinth of life, and these alone will follow you beyond the gates of death, as eternal riches stored in the heart.