From the Chief Editor’s Desk
The Interests of Common Man in the Context of Financial Management The meaning of money in life Life can be challenging when there is dearth of money. On the other hand, if there is excess of money and no wisdom to handle it efficiently, it can also lead to innumerable challenges. In spite of this strange situation, since times immemorial, there has been a tradition of searching for the meaning of life in money. That is probably why meaning of life is understood to be synonymous with money. The science related to wealth is called Economics. Our rishis of yore integrated money with the three other purusharthas (endeavors) to form Purushartha Chatushtaya (The four endeavors) – Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. The manner in which it is defined implies that money that is earned through righteous means (dharma) is appreciated while the money that is devoid of dharma is rejected. In the history of human evolution, when money had to be represented through physical means, it started first with the exchange of material things (barter system), followed by the era of gold coins and then silver coins. In the modern age, it is being represented by watermarked paper or currency notes. There are many anecdotes in Vedas and Puranas. Srimad Bhagawad Gita which is the source of wisdom to sadhus, sanyasis and renunciates, Lord Krishna counts ‘Arthaarthi’ (one who turns to the Divine to get wealth) amongst his devotees. There are many stories in which divinity of Gods and Goddesses has been associated with wealth. Goddess Mahalakshmi is the presiding deity of wealth. Kubera, the lord of yakshas, is the deity of wealth accumulation. He holds the position of Dhanadeesh (the lord of wealth). Even the most ascetic and the epitome of Yoga and Knowledge – Lord Shiva, considers Kubera his friend. In Bhagawad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions Kubera as one of his manifestations. The deity who has the authority to punish or appreciate when it comes to money-related matters is Lord Saturn (Shani). There are stories which say that because of evil aspect of Shani, Dharmaraj Yudhisthir gambled and lost his wealth and King Nala was exiled in the forest and had to undergo many difficulties. Those who utilize their money for noble purposes and for the service of the downtrodden will always be in the good books of Lord Shani and enjoy prosperity. It is indeed surprising to note that while vast majority of people yearn for wealth and find their life meaningless without the same, they hardly understand its true meaning. It is true that economics is taught in schools and colleges and universities award doctorates in this subject.
“SCIENCE complements RELIGION.” - Physicist, Paul H. Carr 5
Akhand Jyoti November - December 2014
