Who among us does not want to
have a prosperous life? Prosperity (samriddhi) has been categorizes as a divine
grace, a noble resource (vibhuti) in the Vedic literature. Prosperity, as the
etymology and the literal meaning of the Sanskrit word ''samraddhi" in a
complete sense implies, good health, wealth and cheerful progress. Of these
"wealth" seems to be the most attractive and powerful term in today's
world. However, because of its materialistic connotation and worldly nature, it
is often a debatable issue in the context of spirituality.
Many people regard wealth as an
anti-thesis to spirituality. Religious preaching and lives of saints also
espouse austerity and renunciation. But in spite of their faith and respect for
such teachings, most people would find it hard to even think of living without
'Substantial' worldly resources!
More so in today's world, when smooth discharge of primary duties like good
education of children/youngsters in the family, or adequate healthcare of elderly
parents, etc, itself demands sizable sums! What to do then? Sometimes or the
other this puzzle must be churning the minds of all those who think.
Up till the past few decades the
scenario continued to be overshadowed by materialistic attitude that mushroomed
with massive industrial growth and urbanized civilization. Majority would not
have bothered to care for the role of spirituality in human life. However the
rising trends of disharmony in the families, social conflicts, psychosomatic
problems, general feeling of insecurity, etc, have now made people realize that
some links of life have got missed somewhere in a single track pursuit of
money, name, fame and lavish possessions. More and more people are now getting
interested in knowing and practicing spiritual principles in their quest for
stress-free modes of work and fulfillment. It is therefore in the fitness of
things to look at affluence and prosperity with a perspective of spirituality.
The Vedic Nepalese Culture
attributes wealth (artha) as one of the four vital accomplishments (Dharma,
arth, kama and Moksa) of human life. Dharma, Artha and Kama are the
foundational pillars of human life aimed at ultimate enlightenment and
transcendental ascent - Moksa. Dharma refers to righteous conduct and performance
of altruistic duties. Arha (wealth) is the source of attainment of worldly
resources and prosperous progress. Karma means creative zeal for pleasure and
fulfillment of desires.
A rishi (Vedic sage) says - vidya
dadati vinayam, vinayat yati patriatam, patratat dhanah apnoti, Dhanat Dharmah,
Tato Sukham - implying, (apart from its other benefits) knowledge endows one
with humanity; this adds to one's qualities which enable one earn dhana
(wealth); wealth is used to carry out righteous duties to (eventually) attain
unalloyed joy. Indeed, total renunciation of wealth or sacrificing material
resources is not possible in today's world even for the seekers of spiritual
elevation. Even the bare minimum necessities of sustaining a normal life would require
some resources in some form. Those having responsibilities towards the family
need much more. Escaping from duties is a wrong and anti-spiritual act. Without
any money or worldly supports one would neither be able to bear the worldly
responsibilities nor discharge the religious duties.
Ancient scriptures enunciate
multiple facets of this issue, which are reinvestigated and guided by some
noted thinkers of the present time.
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