We often think of wealth (Dhan) in a narrow way, equating it only with money and possessions. However, the urge to accumulate is not limited to currency—whether it’s knowledge, religious practices, or reputation (यश), all that we gather externally is considered wealth. Yet, this external wealth can be deceptive (dhokha). While we pile up possessions, inside we may remain poor (nirdhan).
The Illusion of Temporary Wealth
Wealth accumulated outside cannot accompany us beyond death. Only our pure being passes through death’s door. Anything that cannot travel with you is ultimately taken away. True wealth (Sampatti) is what you carry within, while everything else is misfortune (Vipatti). Interestingly, rather than bringing peace, amassing material wealth often invites anxiety (हजार चिंताएं) and restlessness (ashanti).
The Root Cause: Inner Emptiness
Why do we hoard so much? It is due to a deep inner emptiness (bheetar ek bada khali-pan). To avoid feeling void, people surround themselves with money, power, and status, hoping for security. Meditation (Dhyan) reveals this emptiness (riktata), though it is always there beneath the surface. Our instinct is to fill this void quickly, often leading to overconsumption.
Embracing the Void (Shunya)
Great spiritual masters like Buddha or Mahavir are complete within and have no desire to hoard; their existence is full (bharav). True inner wealth comes from facing this emptiness (shunya). Trying to fill it yourself blocks the Divine from filling you. Just as water rushes into an empty pit, nature (Prakriti) and the Divine (Parmatma) fill the emptiness when you willingly consent to be empty (khali hone ko raazi ho jao).
Wisdom vs. Cleverness
We must awaken Sadbuddhi, or right wisdom. Cleverness (buddhi) often increases with education but can lead to deceit and exploitation. Buddhi helps you cope with the world (Sansaar), but Sadbuddhi connects you with the Divine (Parmatma).
The Greatest Detachment
The Buddha's decision to abandon his palace, wealth, and family was an act of Sadbuddhi. While others viewed his actions as foolish, he recognized the impermanence and hidden suffering in worldly riches. He sought the "real home" (asli ghar) that cannot be taken away.
True Wealth Through Labor
Whether external or internal wealth, it must be earned through personal effort (shram):
- External wealth earned by honest labor brings morality (naitikta) into life.
- Internal wealth—spiritual insight or knowledge—earned through genuine effort brings authenticity and religiousness (dharmikta).
Simply memorizing scriptures or repeating others’ knowledge is borrowed (udhaar) and meaningless. Real understanding comes from living the truth.
Completion Within: The Ardhanarishwara State
Attraction between men and women arises because every individual is half male and half female internally, seeking the missing half externally. Authentic yoga and tantra practices aim to unite these inner forces. When this union is achieved, external desires for union cease.
Focus on Stability
Life is restless and unstable (chunchal aur asthir), like water on a lotus leaf. The world is a constant flow, a "current of water" (jal ki dhaar). Building life’s foundation on this is unwise. Instead, focus on the stable axle (keel) of the wheel of existence (Sansaar Chakra).
The Call to Remember the Divine
The key teaching is: "Bhaj Govindam, Bhaj Govindam, Moodh Mate" — worship the Divine (Govind), O foolish mind. Keep the invisible (Adrishya) in remembrance so that the visible (Drishya) does not deceive you. Govind is present in every visible form—tree, rock, enemy alike. Worship means recognizing the Divine in all circumstances and seeing the formless (Nirakar) presence beneath individual forms.
The Greatest Fortune
Realized masters consider the greatest fortune (sabse bada saubhagya) to be not being born at all. Since we are born, the next best fortune is to "die while living" (jeete ji mar jao)—to relinquish attachment, drop the ego, and live as if absent. When truly absent, the Divine fills your emptiness.
Do not waste energy on things left behind after death. True fulfillment comes from turning to the Divine (Parmatma) and losing yourself in constant remembrance.