For us ordinary people, it is very difficult to consider matters like renunciation, bodhicitta and liberation if we must struggle constantly to eke out a living. Harsh living conditions may be helpful for some to generate renunciation, but renunciation developed under such circumstances is not authentic, as genuine renunciation must include the aspiration to seek liberation. Poverty alone may not be enough reason for people to forsake samsara. It is only those who have grasped the essence of the Dharma who might possibly generate true renunciation. Therefore,  Buddhists in general need not and should not deliberately live too poorly.

~ Luminous Wisdom: 6