The Essence of True Spiritual Wealth
True wealth of the soul is determined not by material acquisitions but by a profound inner transformation that occurs through spiritual growth and the cultivation of virtues. This wealth is spiritual; it manifests itself in attaining eternal life, enriching the inner world, and undergoing transformation through turning to God. For example, one source notes, "We have already seen that, from a principled point of view, St. John recognizes only one true poverty—the lack of virtue—and only one true wealth—eternal life. Therefore, it is up to the will of the person to be truly rich or poor, and the current poverty is nothing more than a phantom, a mask, a picture, just like earthly wealth" (source: link txt).Another source indicates that the true transformation of the soul occurs through active inner engagement: "People who understand activity as merely external doing, all sorts of busywork, concerns, and efforts aimed at the external alteration of earthly reality and our earthly fate, have no understanding of the utmost intensity of activity available to a person within the depths of his spirit. And it is precisely such creative activity that constitutes the spiritual life, the active transformation of the soul through which turning to God is attained" (source: link txt). This emphasizes that the soul’s wealth is associated with an inner process rather than with external expressions or the accumulation of worldly goods.It is also asserted that "Authentic true wealth enriches us with virtues. If you want to be rich, love true wealth; if you seek the highest honor, strive for the Kingdom of Heaven; if you cherish the glory of virtues, hasten to engage in the higher service of Angels" (source: link txt). In other words, true wealth arises through the pursuit of spiritual values that fill the soul and serve as a guide for inner development.Finally, in the context of liberation from earthly vulgarity, it is stated: "The internal foundation of that process in which a person is truly liberated from vulgarity. This foundation is the spiritual growth of the person" (source: link txt). Thus, the true wealth of the soul is the result of deep inner growth, diligent self-improvement, and the accumulation of spiritual virtues, which makes a person truly rich in an eternal sense.