What Is the Buddhist Perspective on Materialism? Ven. Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A

Ven. Pomnyun's Answer to "What Is the Buddhist Perspective on Materialism?”
Selection from a Dharma Q&A session at Jogyesa Temple, Seoul (June 14, 2019)

Questioner : My question is about materialism (inaudible). So my question is from a Zen Buddhist perspective. How do you see materialism or [getting] satisfaction from the consumption of goods and what do you think is a good way to balance it?

Yeah, I think it’s a really good example with the clothing. But let’s say there’s somebody that’s really into fashion, this person really likes clothing. I actually don’t need it but it looks nice and I get a new one. Do you think that’s a bad thing? Also I take care of certain things like how it’s produced or mostly second hand or fair trade. But I actually still don’t really need it but still get a new one because I like the looks. So do you think that’s a bad thing?