The sublime mix of the magical and mundane is what makes Krishna, the most intensely human of all Vishnu Avatars, so endearing. His strategic prowess in evidenced in the various legends and myths around him. He comes across as a master strategist, an economic reformer, yet a conscientious and an emotionally intelligent leader who can think on his feet. He is best known for providing strategic advisory to Pandavas at every stage of the Kurukshetra war. He mobilized strategic allies for Pandavas and provided critical on field counseling to a despondent and diffident Arjuna.
The example of Krishna best illustrates the need for an advisor in your journey, be it a life journey or an investment journey. Krishna not only helped the Pandavas to see the truth but also guided them to the right path by overcoming their emotions. He was essentially what made the difference between the two sides. He did not participate in the battle but helped the Pandavas to Win. Krishna was NIMIT (a medium) to their Success. This is the true Role of an Advisor.
Janmashtami is a good time to familiarise ourselves with Krishna’s divine philosophy, As a child, the stories of Krishna always fascinated me; his relationship with Ma Yashoda, his friendship with Sudama, his flirting and teasing of the Gopis, his eternal bonding with his beloved Radha and his message to the world through mentorship to Arjuna and discourse in the form of Bhagavad Gita.
The use of words money and Bhagavad Gita, or Hinduism and wealth creation is often seems ironical and shocking for many. If you ask a devout Hindu about a spiritual path, he will say ‘give up all material wealth and go live in the Himalayas.’
But, in today’s society, money plays an important role.
Our scriptures acknowledge that, and elaborate, that just like water, which is essential to our survival, excess of it, can also drown the very life that it sustains.
The teachings of Bhagavad Gita helps us in creating this very balance. It shows us the way to live life; the role money has to play in our life and finally the way to true happiness.
As per Bhagavad Gita, Chapter Two verse 47, Lord Sri Krishna says to his disciple Arjuna:
Work done with selfish motives is inferior by far to the selfless service or Karma-yoga; therefore be a Karma-yogi, O Arjuna.
Those who seek (to enjoy) the fruits of their work are verily unhappy (because one has no control over the results).
Our selfishness is always thinking about the end product and to create wealth without hard work. Put heart and soul in whatever you do because it is more worthwhile than chanting mantras. When you work wholeheartedly, you are indulging in creation and it touches the spirit in you and you experience spirituality.
Wealth, success and fame will automatically follow.
“But what if I fail?” This is lack of self-confidence. This comes out of unnecessarily thinking about the fruits of your work. Rarely does one achieve success in first attempt. Each failure teaches us several lessons. Each failure takes us close to success. Every work creates a result, so work without getting attached to results.
It is doing your job / duty in a proper manner without caring much for the fruits or the money that it shall generate, gives true happiness in life. Money etc. are just the "by-products" of doing your duty. Main thing is that you do your duty with full devotion in life without caring much for the fruits or money it shall generate.
As per Bhagavad Gita, Chapter II, Verse 70, true happiness of
life does not come by chasing the Material desires; one who is able to
manage his/her desires, finds peace in life & with peace comes
happiness in life.
In Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 10, Verse 8, Krishna says:
So, let’s do our job / duty properly and enjoy our work and an act of selfless work shall only give us happiness in life. Also love & appreciate your loved ones, your children, as loving them shall bring peace & happiness in your family life.
With money we can buy all the comforts, which enhances the quality of life we live, but then with money and materials what ever happiness we get is very short lived. When we fulfill one desire, the mind desires the next thing, so there is no end to desire.
Is happiness directly proportional to money; Does more money, mean more happiness, does money really makes us happy?
Hence, how much money do we really need, to make ourselves happy?
Kabir elaborates it beautifully by saying:
None of us can buy youth, health, love, sincerity, loyalty and happiness, respect and dignity with money. You can only buy pleasures with money but pleasures are always short lived. Happiness comes from within and lives with you as part of your being.
So let’s do our job / duty properly and enjoy our work. An act of selfless work only shall give us happiness in life. Next, Love & appreciate your loved ones, your children, as loving them shall bring peace & happiness in your family life.
Ultimately what we leave behind is not how much we earned but how many values we left, the way we led our life, was it an honest and a life of dignity or lived by unfair means?
Krishna also imparted to the Pandavas the secrets to wealth and prosperity. He mentioned five specific things to be done to attract abundance.
On the night of coronation of Yudhisthra at Hastinapur, Lord Krishna and Yudhisthra were talking about the future of Hastinapur, and the former passed on some gems of knowledge on how to take a Kingdom towards prosperity.
He also told him how by keeping these 5 items in household, could one attract immense wealth and prosperity in one’s life. According to Lord Krishna, mere presence of these things in household not only lets in positive energy, but also purifies mind and soul of its inhabitants
Offering Water gives you abundance
Water is one of the sources of life forces. Water denotes flow and containment. In Hindu culture, offering water to the needy is considered next to godliness. That is why, we are always taught to offer water first to Sun, Gods and Goddess and every guest that visits your home. it calls for well and continuous flow of wealth.
A Chunk of Sandalwood drives out negativity
Lord Krishna reminds Yudhisthra, a popular saying that goes like, ‘Despite being swathed by thousands of venomous snakes, sandalwood tree never loses its fragrance,’ similarly no matter how much negativity is entrapped; presence of sandalwood in the house wards off any evil.
As per astrology, application of Sandalwood paste on one’s forehead and Gods idol is an auspicious gesture, which purifies the ambience. It becomes a magnet for prosperity.
Use of Pure Ghee opens door to prosperity
Cow is considered the most sacred animal in Hinduism, thus the ghee prepared using its milk is believed to be highly pious. Ghee impresses Goddess Laxmi and if stored properly in the house will lead to abundance.
Presence of Goddess Saraswati or her symbol Veena in the house
Lord Krishna explains that just like Goddess Saraswati who sits atop a lotus flower, which rises from mud, remains untouched by it. Similarly a household remains unscathed by poverty and uncertainty, if one keeps Goddess Saraswati’s idol or her instrument Veena in their homes. As we all know, Knowledge is divine and creator of unending prosperity. Goddess Saraswati embodies pure knowledge and it is wealth, which can neither be destroyed nor stolen.
Honey is the harbinger of financial gains
According to Lord Krishna, honey is one pure element that not only purifies the soul of humans, but also the aura of the house. Honey, is the carrier of Positive energy and has such strong positive energy, which diminishes any negative essence existing in the household. Not only it cancels out any chances of financial uncertainties, but also restrains one from turning into a spendthrift.
Finally, The world of financial planning and investments may seem like a chakravyu – too complex and frightening but with the right Saarthi (Advisor) one can take small steps and be successful.
Happy Janamashtmi and Happy Investing!
Stay Blessed Forever
Sandeep Sahni
Kindly check our earlier blog on a similar subject : Investment Lessons from Mythology at https://sahayakgurukul.blogspot.com/2019/03/investment-lessons-from-mythology.html OR https://www.sahayakassociates.in/resources/our-blog/2553-sahayak-associates/sahayak-associates-blog/8435-investment-lessons-from-mythology
Note: All information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute any professional advice or service. Readers are requested to consult a financial advisor before investing as investments are subject to Market Risks.
Sandeep's investing experience and study of the Financial Markets spans over 30 years. He is based in Chandigarh and has been advising more than 500 clients across the globe on Financial Planning and Wealth Management.
He has promoted “Sahayak Gurukul” which is an attempt to share thoughts and knowledge on aspects related to Personal Finance and Wealth Management. Sahayak Gurukul provides financial insights into the markets, economy and Investments. Whether you are new to the personal finance domain or a professional looking to make your money work for you, the Sahayak Gurukul blogs and workshops are curated to demystify investing, simplify complex personal finance topics and help investors make better decisions about their money.
Alongside, Sandeep conducts regular Investor Awareness Programs and workshops for Training of Mutual Fund Distributors, and workshops and seminars on Financial Planning for Corporate groups, Teachers, Doctors and Other professionals.
He has also conducted presentations, workshops and guest lectures at Management institutes for students on Financial Planning and Wealth Creation.
He can be reached at:
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