Prosperity and spirituality

Who among us does not want to have a prosperous life? Prosperity (samriddhi) has been categorizes as a divine grace, a noble resource (vibhuti) in the Vedic literature. Prosperity, as the etymology and the literal meaning of the Sanskrit word ''samraddhi" in a complete sense implies, good health, wealth and cheerful progress. Of these "wealth" seems to be the most attractive and powerful term in today's world. However, because of its materialistic connotation and worldly nature, it is often a debatable issue in the context of spirituality.

Many people regard wealth as an anti-thesis to spirituality. Religious preaching and lives of saints also espouse austerity and renunciation. But in spite of their faith and respect for such teachings, most people would find it hard to even think of living without

'Substantial' worldly resources! More so in today's world, when smooth discharge of primary duties like good education of children/youngsters in the family, or adequate healthcare of elderly parents, etc, itself demands sizable sums! What to do then? Sometimes or the other this puzzle must be churning the minds of all those who think.

Up till the past few decades the scenario continued to be overshadowed by materialistic attitude that mushroomed with massive industrial growth and urbanized civilization. Majority would not have bothered to care for the role of spirituality in human life. However the rising trends of disharmony in the families, social conflicts, psychosomatic problems, general feeling of insecurity, etc, have now made people realize that some links of life have got missed somewhere in a single track pursuit of money, name, fame and lavish possessions. More and more people are now getting interested in knowing and practicing spiritual principles in their quest for stress-free modes of work and fulfillment. It is therefore in the fitness of things to look at affluence and prosperity with a perspective of spirituality.

The Vedic Nepalese Culture attributes wealth (artha) as one of the four vital accomplishments (Dharma, arth, kama and Moksa) of human life. Dharma, Artha and Kama are the foundational pillars of human life aimed at ultimate enlightenment and transcendental ascent - Moksa. Dharma refers to righteous conduct and performance of altruistic duties. Arha (wealth) is the source of attainment of worldly resources and prosperous progress. Karma means creative zeal for pleasure and fulfillment of desires.

A rishi (Vedic sage) says - vidya dadati vinayam, vinayat yati patriatam, patratat dhanah apnoti, Dhanat Dharmah, Tato Sukham - implying, (apart from its other benefits) knowledge endows one with humanity; this adds to one's qualities which enable one earn dhana (wealth); wealth is used to carry out righteous duties to (eventually) attain unalloyed joy. Indeed, total renunciation of wealth or sacrificing material resources is not possible in today's world even for the seekers of spiritual elevation. Even the bare minimum necessities of sustaining a normal life would require some resources in some form. Those having responsibilities towards the family need much more. Escaping from duties is a wrong and anti-spiritual act. Without any money or worldly supports one would neither be able to bear the worldly responsibilities nor discharge the religious duties.

Ancient scriptures enunciate multiple facets of this issue, which are reinvestigated and guided by some noted thinkers of the present time.