Discard of Bad Habit

Meaning: As stated in the Rigved 1/189/1 - we must totally discard bad habits and earn wealth always by the truthful path.

Message: The Sanskrit language saying is "shreyaschapreyashcha manushyametastata" which means that two types of paths are wide open for man to tread, one is the beneficial path and the other is alluring but harmful path. The man himself has to decide as to which path he wants to follow. Either he should follow the path of honesty even though it is full of difficulties, or he may choose the path which - at first appearance - looks attractive, even though it will lead to downfall. It is extremely essential to decide this point to making money. Today every man is engaged in the race for earning more and more money than the other one. This is the only reason for the present corruption. Corruption is getting more and more encouragement because of money-related or financial crimes.

The main reason for the burden of material wealth on our shoulders is because of our desires, requirements and demands. There is no limit to man's desire because requirements automatically increase when our desires become intense and as a result the tendencies like snatching away others' wealth and rights assume dangerous forms. Today's man is prepared to do anything for personal comforts, indulgence, infatuations and reputation. They do not have the time to find out the harm caused to others or even to the nation. By collecting more money than his own requirements man then runs after indulging his desires which is nothing but unbridled willful behavior, pushing him into the chasm of downfall.

It should be explained to the people that the same wealth which you are worshipping in making you unhappy and in future also will make you unhappy. If man wants to save himself from various types of sorrows, quarrels and difficulties then he will first have to obtain spiritual knowledge. The strength of the soul or the willpower for the control of the mind and for restraining the senses is awakened only with spiritual knowledge. Only when this occurs, will man be capable of control over his wishes, desires and temptation. In this way through real spiritual knowledge the money earned honestly by proper diligence or Endeavour gives good, auspicious results, and justifies the Sanskrit saying 'poshameva divey divey' i.e. nurtures and increases the power of the soul. Such money also keeps the mind cheerful and proves developmental for the personality.

Just as fire burns away and purifies, likewise we must burn away our sinful tendencies, move further and further on the road of progress, and should obtain satisfaction by money earned within moral, religious limits. The flame of the fire always keeps rising upwards. Even though there may be a tremendous storm or typhoon, the flame does not come downwards, even though it may lead to its extinction. Similarly a man with strong power of the soul or willpower, never bows down to immorality even though it means self-extinction. No temptation is capable of swaying him from the path of honesty.