Ken Honda , widely known as the Zen Billionaire in Japan, advocates an ‘abundance’ mindset, one that fosters happiness and grace rather than insecurity and resentment. Central to his teachings is the idea that ‘Money should bring you joy.’ He talks about happy money ideas in an interview to Madhu Suri Zaidi
Q: What’s the difference between ‘Happy Money’ and ‘Unhappy Money’?
Money is neutral—it’s the energy and attitude toward it that create ‘happy’ or ‘unhappy’ money. The happy money philosophy teaches and leads to not just a feeling of abundance but actual abundance. If you feel stuck, be open to other solutions. While Happy Money ideas aren’t miracles, they can guide you toward more fulfilling outcomes.”
Q: Could you give three tips for cultivating an abundance mindset ?
The basic tips would be -
1. Arigato (Thank you) In & Arigato Out: When money comes in, say “thank you,” and when money goes out, thank it again.
2. Do What You Love: Follow your passion using your talents. If obstacles exist, embrace what you do with happiness and grace. Finding fulfilment in your work leads to satisfaction, and appreciation puts you in a “happy high.”
3. Cherish Beautiful Relationships: Deep relationships reduce worries and enhance life. Rely on relationships rather than bank accounts, so even in tough times, friends will support you.
Q: What is an abundance mindset?
Abundance comes in two forms—visible and invisible. Visible abundance includes money and tangible assets, while invisible abundance comprises values, trust, friendship, love, generosity, care, and kindness. While tangible assets are important, invisible assets like family and love are enriching and invaluable. However, there are also invisible debts—emotional burdens placed on others, often seen in children of wealthy parents. These children may lack confidence due to an overdose of visible assets but a deficit of emotional support.
Pay attention to both invisible debts and assets.
What about the resentment people feel when paying for things like salaries, taxes, or medical bills?
Resentment around money is common because we feel like something is being taken away. But consider this: we don’t have any grudges when we release waste from our bodies each morning. We accept it because we understand it’s necessary for our health. Similarly, taxes and bills are essential for our comfort. They ensure that services like electricity, water, and infrastructure continue to function. Resentment around legitimate payments is counterproductive and de-energizing. It clouds the payment with negativity. Instead, be grateful that these services are managed well, allowing you to live comfortably. When you feel grudges about paying something, think of it as releasing something that isn’t good for your system.
How does one deal with greed around money, and how does one decide when they have enough?
Even with just $5 in your bank account, you can feel abundant. One reason I’m not afraid of money is that if I lose it all, my friends have money. I can rely on them for support.
To combat greed, focus on the joy and satisfaction that comes from non-material wealth. When you appreciate the intangible aspects of life—like relationships, love, and kindness—you’ll find that they are more fulfilling than material possessions. It’s not about accumulating wealth but about finding balance and contentment in what you have. When you recognize the value of invisible assets, you’ll feel that you have enough.”
What are ‘money wounds’ and how can they be healed?
Money wounds are often the core issue behind an individual’s financial abundance being blocked. These are usually imbibed & transmitted from our family in the form of limiting beliefs and hurt around them. Money wounds can create an individual’s financial reality because the wound may centre around “I’m not worthy enough to have more money.”
And this belief will make it hard to keep the money flowing into our life.
So, identify & be aware of the beliefs or patterns around money to heal & one way is to develop the practise of appreciation. Because once you appreciate money without malice or greed, money appreciates.
Interview by: Madhu Suri Zaidi
Q: What’s the difference between ‘Happy Money’ and ‘Unhappy Money’?
Money is neutral—it’s the energy and attitude toward it that create ‘happy’ or ‘unhappy’ money. The happy money philosophy teaches and leads to not just a feeling of abundance but actual abundance. If you feel stuck, be open to other solutions. While Happy Money ideas aren’t miracles, they can guide you toward more fulfilling outcomes.”
Q: Could you give three tips for cultivating an abundance mindset ?
The basic tips would be -
1. Arigato (Thank you) In & Arigato Out: When money comes in, say “thank you,” and when money goes out, thank it again.
2. Do What You Love: Follow your passion using your talents. If obstacles exist, embrace what you do with happiness and grace. Finding fulfilment in your work leads to satisfaction, and appreciation puts you in a “happy high.”
3. Cherish Beautiful Relationships: Deep relationships reduce worries and enhance life. Rely on relationships rather than bank accounts, so even in tough times, friends will support you.
Q: What is an abundance mindset?
Abundance comes in two forms—visible and invisible. Visible abundance includes money and tangible assets, while invisible abundance comprises values, trust, friendship, love, generosity, care, and kindness. While tangible assets are important, invisible assets like family and love are enriching and invaluable. However, there are also invisible debts—emotional burdens placed on others, often seen in children of wealthy parents. These children may lack confidence due to an overdose of visible assets but a deficit of emotional support.
Pay attention to both invisible debts and assets.
What about the resentment people feel when paying for things like salaries, taxes, or medical bills?
Resentment around money is common because we feel like something is being taken away. But consider this: we don’t have any grudges when we release waste from our bodies each morning. We accept it because we understand it’s necessary for our health. Similarly, taxes and bills are essential for our comfort. They ensure that services like electricity, water, and infrastructure continue to function. Resentment around legitimate payments is counterproductive and de-energizing. It clouds the payment with negativity. Instead, be grateful that these services are managed well, allowing you to live comfortably. When you feel grudges about paying something, think of it as releasing something that isn’t good for your system.
How does one deal with greed around money, and how does one decide when they have enough?
Even with just $5 in your bank account, you can feel abundant. One reason I’m not afraid of money is that if I lose it all, my friends have money. I can rely on them for support.
To combat greed, focus on the joy and satisfaction that comes from non-material wealth. When you appreciate the intangible aspects of life—like relationships, love, and kindness—you’ll find that they are more fulfilling than material possessions. It’s not about accumulating wealth but about finding balance and contentment in what you have. When you recognize the value of invisible assets, you’ll feel that you have enough.”
What are ‘money wounds’ and how can they be healed?
Money wounds are often the core issue behind an individual’s financial abundance being blocked. These are usually imbibed & transmitted from our family in the form of limiting beliefs and hurt around them. Money wounds can create an individual’s financial reality because the wound may centre around “I’m not worthy enough to have more money.”
And this belief will make it hard to keep the money flowing into our life.
So, identify & be aware of the beliefs or patterns around money to heal & one way is to develop the practise of appreciation. Because once you appreciate money without malice or greed, money appreciates.
Interview by: Madhu Suri Zaidi
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