Wealth is important

It is absolutely false to think that spirituality or the right way of living is opposed to materialism and wealth. Everyone wants and desires wealth. The Vedas do not condemn wealth. It is worshipped as Goddess Laxmi and is necessary for the well-being of society.

The sages of India invoked the lord of wealth to create prosperity and success. The Ishavasya Upanishad clearly says that those who live a mere materialistic, acquisitive life dwell in ignorance, and those who live a life of spirituality neglecting the world plunge, as though, to greater darkness.

Therefore, both have to be integrated. The advice is to remove poverty, reach a comfortable sphere to practice spirituality, and then rise above all needs and desires to gain freedom and eternity.

Wealth includes all natural resources. Intelligent use of these resources produces assets and affluence. Time is the most precious commodity we have; it is wealth and should be invested properly. To use time well, one must be clear about the goals and purpose of life and set them in such a way that they are long-lasting and satisfying.

Moreover, why settle for the least? The rishis ask us to gain the infinite. Why acquire something finite and limited? The problem is that our entire life is dissipated in the means and the goal is never accomplished.

Wealth is a means; wealth is not the goal of life. It is not to be rejected; it is greed for wealth that has to be given up. Greed has no limits whatsoever and prompts man to wreak untold suffering on humanity.