Divine wealth

Chapter 16:1-3

श्रीभगवानुवाच |

अभयं सत्त्वसंशुद्धिर्ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थिति: |

दानं दमश्च यज्ञश्च स्वाध्यायस्तप आर्जवम् || 1||

अहिंसा सत्यमक्रोधस्त्याग: शान्तिरपैशुनम् |

दया भूतेष्वलोलुप्त्वं मार्दवं ह्रीरचापलम् || 2||

तेज: क्षमा धृति: शौचमद्रोहोनातिमानिता |

भवन्ति सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातस्य भारत || 3||

The Supreme Divine Personality said: O scion of Bharat, these are the saintly virtues of those endowed with a divine nature—fearlessness, purity of mind, steadfastness in spiritual knowledge, charity, control of the senses, sacrifice, study of the sacred books, austerity, and straightforwardness; non-violence, truthfulness, absence of anger, renunciation, peacefulness, restraint from fault-finding, compassion toward all living beings, absence of covetousness, gentleness, modesty, and lack of fickleness; vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, bearing enmity toward none, and absence of vanity. 

There is a difference between being rich and being wealthy. You become wealthy when you have money by doing the right deeds and karmas. These karmas or divine wealth are explained by Lord Krishna in Chapter 16 of the Bhagavad Gita as fearlessness, purification of one's existence, cultivation of spiritual knowledge, generosity or charity, self-control, performance of sacrifice, study of the Vedas, austerity, and simplicity; nonviolence, truthfulness, freedom from anger; renunciation, tranquility, aversion to faultfinding, compassion, and freedom from covetousness; gentleness, modesty, and steady determination; vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, freedom from envy, and the passion for honor—these transcendental qualities.

Let's understand the concept of divine wealth as described by Lord Krishna and explore the importance of these virtues in leading a fulfilled life.

• Fearlessness (Abhaya): Embracing life with courage and confidence. Helps us tackle challenges head-on, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Purity of Heart (Satva-Samsuddhi): Maintaining sincerity and honesty in all our actions. Builds trust and strong relationships, both in our personal lives and at work.
• Charity (Dana): Generously giving and helping others without expecting anything in return. Promotes a sense of community and well-being, making us feel more connected and purposeful.
• Self-Discipline (Dama): Controlling one's desires and impulses. Enhances our ability to stay focused and achieve our goals.
• Sacrifice (Yadnya): Making selfless sacrifices for the greater good. Encourages teamwork and collaboration, essential for success in any endeavor.
• Study of Sacred Texts (Svadhyaya): Continuously learning and reflecting on spiritual teachings. Provides wisdom and guidance, helping us navigate life's complexities.
• Austerity (Tapa): Practicing simplicity and self-restraint. Reminds us to appreciate the simple joys and avoid the pitfalls of excess.
• Uprightness (Arjava): Being straightforward and truthful. Ensures that we act with integrity, earning respect and admiration from others.

Incorporating these divine qualities into our lives can lead to a deeper sense of fulfilment, inner peace, and success. As we strive to embody these virtues, we create a positive impact not only on ourselves but also on those around us.

Here today, we are going to discuss about Charity or generosity.

“देणाऱ्याने देत जावे 

घेणाऱ्याने घेत जावे 

घेता घेता एक दिवस 

देणाऱ्याचे हात घ्यावे.”

(From the poem written by Dr. V D Karandikar, Dnyanpeeth Awardee)

Explanation: Take the hands of the giver” means to imbibe the generosity of the giver within oneself. In other words, just like the giver, we too should become givers to others.

One of the divine qualities mentioned by the Lord is generosity/charity. It is natural for everyone to have desires; having desires is not wrong. Fulfilment of desires gives satisfaction and happiness. Sometimes people may become inebriated by such types of happiness. However, this intoxication can be cured if the person gets wise counsel.

When desires are converted into greed, or **लोलुपता** and **लालसा**, a person becomes blind to justice and starts making unjust decisions. Greed is an intense and uncontrollable desire for wealth, power, or possessions. When a person becomes greedy, they prioritize their own selfish interests over the needs and well-being of others, often leading to unethical or even illegal behavior. Greed can be a destructive force, causing harm to individuals, communities, and even entire nations.

At its core, greed stems from a deep sense of insecurity and fear—a belief that one's own needs can never be fully met, leading to a constant craving for more. This insatiable desire for wealth and material possessions can become all-consuming, driving a person to pursue financial gain at any cost.

However, it's important to note that not all desire for success or wealth is necessarily rooted in greed. Ambition and drive can be positive motivators, inspiring individuals to work hard and strive for their goals. The key difference lies in how that desire is pursued. With greed, the focus is solely on personal gain, without regard for the consequences or impact on others.

When greed increases in society, the common man does not receive justice. Therefore, controlling greed is crucial. One effective way to do this is by practicing generosity. Generosity is a powerful force for good, creating a sense of abundance and positivity that can ripple outward and inspire others. When we give freely, we not only help others but also experience a sense of fulfilment and purpose from knowing we have made a positive impact on someone's life.

Embracing generosity as a divine wealth helps counteract the destructive nature of greed. It ensures that our desires remain healthy and aligned with ethical principles, promoting justice and well-being for all.

Books authored by Vinod Bidwaik are available here >> Sakal Publications & Amazon