Page 1 - November_2024

Wealth with Wisdom

s beginners on the spiritual path, we often misunderstand
Athe terms ‘detachment’ and ‘giving up desires.’ We feel that
acquiring material wealth is frowned upon by our scriptures. So,
in the concluding verse of the Shiksha Valli section, after teaching
1
about self-discipline and the nature of Brahman, the Teacher’s
2
prayer for prosperity, wealth, fame, and many more diligent
students – comes as a surprise to many.
It is not wealth per se but attachment to wealth and greed
for it – that are significant obstacles for the seeker. Therefore, in the
next verse, the Sage continues, “May I purify myself from all sins.”

This beautiful invocation is actually meant for us – to build a
harmonious relationship between purity, knowledge, and wisdom
on the one hand and wealth – in all its varied forms – on the other.
Pujya Gurudev openly revealed the secret to acquiring wealth in
his discourses: “Hold on to Narayana; Lakshmi can never be far
away.” The moment Bhagavan becomes our priority, the moment
the Lord takes centre stage in our lives, everything else – security,
prosperity, joy, contentment – will definitely follow.

The Upanishadic Sages sought nothing for themselves. Their
invocations were always for the welfare of the entire society. May
their wisdom be our guiding light in righteously pursuing material
wealth and developing love, compassion, courage, faith, and
spiritual success – as represented by Goddess Lakshmi. Wealth
without wisdom can lead to disastrous consequences, but wealth
piloted by wisdom leads to a balanced and blissful life. May we
use our ‘wealth’ wisely to benefit the people around us and bring
light into their lives.
The Tapovan Prasad Team wishes our readers an
enlightening and prosperous Diwali.
Editorial
1 Taittiriya Upanishad, 1.4.2
2 The Upanishad is attributed to the pupils of Sage Vaishampayana.

Tapovan Prasad 7 November 2024