Swami ji said…
The mere thought of any festival – Deepawali, in particular – is all it takes for our faces to light up with a radiant smile – and we begin the joyful journey of preparing for the festival – with fervour. We go to great lengths to plan out in elaborate detail all that has to be attended to – to ensure a perfect beginning and faultless culmination of the festival. Our involvement with the festival is complete; both mentally and physically – the mind busy – both while dwelling on all the things that still have to be done – and at the same time ticking off all the tasks that have been accomplished. Endless trips to and fro to buy ‘samagri’ for the rituals involved; offerings to be made to the Goddess; flowers to adorn the temple and our homes ; gifts for loved ones and new clothes for ourselves- all this is done without a sign of fatigue. And, all this is done to welcome ‘लक्ष्मी’ – into our homes and lives ; Who brings in ‘समृद्धि’ – affluence, wealth and prosperity.
Though we may adorn ourselves with new clothes, buy beautiful gifts and decorate our homes – these outward symbols of prosperity pale in comparison to the richness we can cultivate within. And, thus, we must ask ourselves – What are we doing to enrich ourselves in mind and spirit? In fact, are we doing anything at all ? And if so, is it enough?
In a world that often equates success with material gain, it is easy to be swept away in the pursuit of possessions, status and wealth. We pour time and energy into building a life that looks abundant from the outside, but, too, often – leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled within. True wealth, however, goes much deeper than what can be measured in numbers or displayed in possessions. It resides in the strength of our character, the clarity of our vision, and , the values that guide us. This is the wealth that endures us through life’s changes and challenges.
Just as material wealth grows through consistent effort and wise investments, ; inner wealth is cultivated through daily practices that align with our values and principles.
Simple practices, like showing appreciation to loved ones, taking a few minutes each day for reflection, or , helping others without expectation – can transform our lives from the inside out. These habits make us feel rich in a way that money cannot, as , they nourish our spirit and uplift those around us. We realise it is the qualities we cultivate within ourselves that are our real treasures.
While material wealth is often unstable – fluctuating with circumstances- values are the steady anchor that ground us, offering a source of stability and purpose. When we live principled lives, we , experience inner peace, and, also create such a positive impact – all around us that we truly can leave a legacy behind that no amount of money can create.
” बहुत ज़रूरी है हमे यह याद रखने की – कि समृद्धि पैसे, धन दौलत से ही नहीं आती , बल्कि वास्तविक समृद्धि हमारी आदतों से, हमारे सिद्धांतों से, हमारे दृष्टिकोण से और अपने जीवन को अनुशासन से जीने से आती है । अगर हमे अपने आप को वास्तव मे समृद्ध बनाना है तो इस तरह से समृद्ध बनाये…”
We, thus, must change our perspective. We must also see our wealth in terms of the spiritual quality of our actions and thoughts. We must ask, not to be blessed with worldly riches , but , to be able to remain unaffected by them. What difference is there in suffering from lack of wealth and suffering from the fear of losing it ? Either way, there is no peace of mind. There is no joy and happiness in either state. Yes, we cannot truly wish to live in physical poverty , but , we must not forget that it is only a wise and stable mind that knows how to act correctly when it has wealth at its disposal. The festive spirit will witness our ‘senses’ savouring every minute to the prelude of the celebration of the festival – as they get involved with all the ‘outwardly’ happenings – to such an extent – that we forget to understand the nuances of the core message of the festival – which is to direct our senses inwardly too – and awaken ourselves ; improve ourselves ; endeavour to strengthen ourselves ; overcome the vices that could have become a part of our lives ; conquer our weaknesses ; be honest and brave enough to be critical of ourselves.
For the spiritual seeker – ‘समृद्धि’ – is when he has the wisdom to live life correctly. The wisdom to act in a way that brings him closer to God. Even the material wealth he obtains must be viewed as a means to be closer to God – by serving others in need selflessly. What other purpose should it serve? For there can be no higher or better purpose.
Dedicated to Swamiji Ajay Jain ji 