||Shri Suktam||

Shlok 8

I shall, by their grace, destroy that distressing poverty which is first born in the form of hunger and thirst, (i.e., which prevents the advent of prosperity). Dispel every form of want and insufficiency from my house.

Poverty, trust and charity

Poverty:

Something I was thinking about yesterday, at home, is how God is never outdone in generosity, whether material or social or spiritual. Because of the economic unease we’re all facing, I was frankly thinking of the material – hanging on to jobs, my friend finding a job, how we’ll pay for home heating oil this winter, affording college for my sister – and I remembered that my wife and I have always believed it and found it to be true: when we give from our own need, it never goes unrewarded. Well, someone from you argue that how it will be rewarded. That’s where Sri Suktam is needed.

You cannot become rich if you acquire wealth; you also need to work on removing anomalies and insufficiency of life. Otherwise, there are strong chances that acquired wealth gets vanished in no time. In short, by saying “Dispel every form want and insufficiency from my house”, Rushi wanted to convey message that, one should also work on improving life by all means. Money or materialistic wealth is not everything a person needs to be wealthy as their value can decrease at any time e.g., stock exchange. What we need to acquire is permanent wealth in the form of blissful life, morals and principles, generosity when needed so that we can get help when we need.

Trust:

We forget, sometimes, that if we trust – really, just trust (that’s harder to do, and less simple, than it sounds) we will receive “what we need.” We may not get a penny more than that. But we will see our needs met, and perhaps part of what we “need” is to learn how to manage ourselves on less, how to cultivate thrift, how to resist the urge for immediate gratification. How to save, and to work toward goals? How to be patient? We are not very patient, anymore. We don’t like to

wait for what we want. Our society has been very spoiled and “me” oriented for a while, now. Everyone buys themselves whatever they want, when they want it, and – because of the easy credit (which helped get us into this mess) and our addiction to it – we have forgotten how to wait, how to practice that “old-fashioned” virtue of self-denial.

Charity:

Charity is a great form of dispelling unwanted wealth (which ultimately brings sickness and poverty) and helping those who are in need. By that way, you will have blissful life and also your wants will be limited. I’m going to remind them of what I remembered: God is never outdone in generosity, but you need to be generous yourself, if you want Him to outdo you. Even in these frightening times – perhaps especially in frightening, vulnerable-feeling economic times – it is important to be generous to others – families, especially extended families in need.

My learnings:

1) Expel unwanted need which can create poverty in future

2) Charity is the best to dispel our unwanted needs to get credit which can be used in future with interest rate.

-Taral Sharma

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Shri Suktam Series:

Article 1: Linking broken links – Economics, Life and Happppppppppiness!

http://vediclearnings.com/2008/11/17/shri-suktam-new-learning-series/

Article 2: Connect the dots to enlighten!

http://vediclearnings.com/2008/11/24/shri-suktam-new-learning-series-2/

Article 3: Respect, Thankfulness and Glorious life

http://vediclearnings.com/2008/12/01/shri-suktam-shlok-1/

Article 4: Unlimited wealth, unfailing objective and universal mother

http://vediclearnings.com/2008/12/08/shri-sukta-shlok-2/

Article 5: Strength, bravery and Sprightliness

http://vediclearnings.com/2008/12/15/shri-suktam-shlok-3-certificate-of-wealth-acquisition/

Article 6: Bliss, content, lotus and Balanced life

http://vediclearnings.com/2008/12/22/shri-suktam-shlok-4-bliss-content-lotus-balanced-life/

Article 7: Protection by Magnanimous & Blazing Wealth!

http://vediclearnings.com/2008/12/29/protection-by-magnanimous-blazing-wealth/

Article 8: Unconditioned & unlimited nature

http://vediclearnings.com/2009/01/05/unconditioned-unlimited-nature/

Article 9: National Spirit

http://vediclearnings.com/2009/01/12/shri-suktam-shlok-7-national-spirit/

O Lakshmi! I am born in this country with the heritage of wealth. May the friends of Lord Siva (Kubera, Lord of wealth and Kiriti, Lord of Fame), come to me. May these (having take their abode with me), bestow on me fame and prosperity.

National Spirit

I WANT WEALTH BECAUSE MY NATION WANTS IT FOR GROWTH

I WANT WEALTH BECAUSE MY CULTURE INSPIRES GROWTH

People say that concept of Nation in South Asia is pretty new, not older than 400 to 500 years. Before that it was area divided in small Kingdoms maintained by Kings and fighting with neighbors to expand their kingdom. And countries like INDIA? It is just 60 years old country! They have long way to go before they are called developed Nation. I certainly defer to this point after reading Shri Suktam’s shlok number 7. It is right that Modern concept of India as republic Nation came into existence for last 60 years but ONE NATION FOR ONE CULTURE is thousands of years old thought process in this culture. Of course, Shri Suktam is not the only evident which certify, that concept of one Nation is not new to my Countrymen. It is special thought sung since thousands years. There are numerous such verses in Atharva Ved, which explains one Nation theory and benefits of it but due to our inability to decipher message written in Sanskrit, we accept what is taught to us by history written by colonial influenced historians.

In context of wealth, life and Economics, Sages when utter “Give me wealth because I am born on this great land” has significance in terms of progress provided by this land to her citizens. It explains connection between National Spirit and wealth management. I can be very sure for asking something when I have full faith. Here, Author has full faith in motherland and her strengths to make his life happy. It shows importance of National Spirit.

76 years ago, when United States of America was shaken by great economic depression, then president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt took his campaign for the presidency by putting this words in speech: “Faith in America, faith in our tradition of personal responsibility, faith in our institutions, and faith in ourselves demands that we all recognize the new terms of the old social contract.”  And 75 years later, president elect , Barack Obama called for the same Faith! Faith in Nation, Faith in Values! Both the presidents in bad economic conditions, asked for re-appraisal of values. (USA is a strong nation in current time and I want to show that even Strong Nation in Bad condition calls for basic value system reforms) Shri Suktam in this shlok suggests the same appraisal of values and faith in them. I am born on this great land which has all possibilities and I must gain wealth for pride of the nation. Since last 2000 to 5000 years, we have seen a dangerous erosion of the rules and principles that have allowed our market to work and our economy to thrive (And management like Satyam to fraud). Instead of thinking about what’s good for INDIA or what’s good for business, a mentality has crept into certain corners of New Delhi (or Mumbai or any corporate house) and the business world that says, ”What’s good for me is good enough.”  And there where Economy fails to sustain after certain level of growth. (American president Obama has already made this point in his speech many times.) Remember one thing here, you are not the only living entity on this planet and one cannot survive without healthy environment – be it virus or human. Self-centered earnings at one point become poison and falls like a card castle.

Sadly, even after 60+ years of reestablished as a nation, we lack National Spirit. Not only in our day to day life but also in our greatest dream, there is no trace of National Spirit. And with such spirit, it is not only difficult but is impossible to become developed nation. You and I will die living for 50 years but our coming generation will surely curse us for demolition of value systems.

FRIENDS

Devasakha is used for Kuber( Friend of God Shiva). Kuber is known for his unlimited wealth. So that means, Shri Suktam asks for making wealthy friends! No, not at all. By word ‘Devsakha’, author wants to become friend of God. Friendship is a relation between souls having common charateritics. You cannot be my true friend if we don’t have common purpose, common way of living and enjoying life so when author asks God’s friendship, he suggests acquiring God like characteristics so that eternal relation with God can establish. If you want to be friend of Kuber, earn like him, manage wealth like him and give like him.

Learnings:

1. National spirit drives the Economy and not individual-centric efforts.
2. Friendship is the relation having common purpose and selfless love. To become friend of the best in Society, I need to become the best.
3. One Nation – One Planet; No wars – No Conflict.

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Shri Suktam: Shlok-6

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||Shri Suktam||

Shlok 5

I resort to that Lakshmi for shelter in this world, who is beautiful like the moon, who shines bright, who is blazing with renown, which is adored (even) by the gods, which is highly magnanimous, and grand like the lotus. May my misfortunes perish. I surrender myself to You.

Protection by Magnanimous & Blazing Wealth!

Everyone of us needs a protection and that is the reason that we feel great at home. But, sometimes, home can’t provide us full security, safety and support. That is the reason that most of suicides occur at home. Here, security means, not only physical and financial but also mental. Mental security is one of the most important securities in current time, which provides indirect physical as well as financial security. It is seen that when Men are having any problems, they try to involve themselves in different activities e.g., reading, watching news, but trying to get away from anxiety atmosphere. Women on opposite side tries to get involved with someone who can soothe their anxiety level within the anxiety atmosphere. But, one thing is common among both sex and that is “need for soothing, calming and supporting atmosphere.”

Godlike (Read strong, intelligent, morally corrent and risk takers) personalities must acquire wealth and use it to create more such leaders and dream for ideal living for entire world. Understand one thing, wealth is necessity of life and we must earn it (ofcourse earning by righteous ways! The ??????? way of earning!). To regard with the utmost esteem, love, and respect or honored by gods and grand like lotus (lotus is considered as highest level of aasan in different books)

Contentment (happiness) is well explained by the example of moon (Chandram means ‘moon’) in this shlok. Wealth’s nature is represented as contentment and self-complacency by using ‘Moon’.Here, author talks about complete contentment and satisfaction. Contentment comes from either ignorance or complete learning(right knowledge) but perfect satisfaction comes only from knowing and not ignorance.In Gujarati, we talk about this escapist attitude with an example of a bird named shahmrug (looks like ostrich). This bird , whenever it senses danger will bury his head in sand so that it doesn’t see the danger and feel relief , eventually being eaten up. So there is this word ’shahmrugvritti’ means tendency of closing your eyes on real problem. It also doesn’t talk about satisfaction arised from limited thinking.If you say that “I do not want penthouse in Manhattan, Newyork or Marinedrive, Mumbai because I am happy in my 10×10 apartment” is showing contentment by limited thinking with no hope for growth and it should not consider as COMPLETE CONTENTMENT. Moon like contentment comes from understanding and knowing everything.

Aim Kám sósmitám hiranya prákárám árdrám jvalantím triptám tarpayantím
Padme sthitám padma-varnám támihópahvaye ?hriyam|| (4)

||Shri Suktam||

Shlok 3

Certificate for wealth acquisition : Strength, Bravery, Sprightliness

A?hwa-p?rvám ratha-madhyám hasti náda prabódhiním

?hriyam devím upahvaye ?hrír ma devír jushatám||(3)

Translation

I invoke that Goddess of Prosperity who comes with horses in the front and chariots in the middle and whose coming is announced by the trumpeting of elephants. May that Goddess of Prosperity come and bless me.

“The real poor is he who misuses what he has.

The real rich is he who well uses what he has “

~ Mikhail Naimy

Certificate for wealth acquisition

Shri Suktam’s shlok 3 accurately explains nature and environment of Mother Lakshmi. It shows that how, when and where, goddess of wealth listen our invocation and blesses us with wealth. It testifies Certificate for acquiring wealth.

Strength

Goddess who comes with horses in front and chariots in the middle signifies strength. Horses and chariots were use to be considered as icon of military power.(akshauhini (akshauhinee¹).Strength is required when your are fighting a battle against financial situation, a battle against oneself, a battle against poverty,a battle against global warming,a battle against terror,a battle against wicked; man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. regime, man vs. systems and so on. Here, devotee invites goddess and his trust in goddess is seen in description. He describes her like he is going to fight against army/person/situation with the help of her. It creates an environment of joy and power, it shows boldness and bravery, which is needed for reform. Yes, Reform needs ‘Shaurya geet’ (bravery song) and that is the reason soldiers sing that before going for the battle.

Exhibition for societal prosperity

Switzerland is famous for two ‘B’s – Nature’s Beauty and Humans’ Banking. One is exhibition of wealth and another is secrecy of wealth. To name few; trees, rivers, mountains, flowers are Switzerland’s wealth and I personally cherish them (Unknowingly, we all do by watching Bollywood songs) because it is demonstrated, expressed and celebrated wealth. But I certainly don’t consider those secret bank accounts as wealth parameters. To me, they are mere currency having no value. It is not society’s strength but is individual (person/organization)’s weakness of not able to spend earned/looted/tricked wealth in constructive and creative ways for planet upliftment. Money is strength when it is utilized for lofty purposes and is folly when we miss opportunities to use it in proper channel. Forget about Swiss bank accounts, we often hear in neighborhood about someone died leaving abundance of wealth without any will to use it. How can someone live life so uneventful where there is no purpose for wealth utilization? Earning ethically in abundance is the way to live life but not spending it or spending it for vested interests is a way of dying.

Trumpeting of elephants represents exhibition of wealth (Mind you! there is difference between exhibition and show off!). By exhibition, I understood ‘presence of wealth with me is apparently known to all and not hidden’. It says that, If one million dollars is earned; it has to be known with a blow of sound as good as trumpeting of elephants. In context of exhibition, it explains non-possessiveness. I am talking about non-possessiveness exhibited by the king Raghu who was the abode of charity and gentleness and an ocean of mercy on this earth.

If one is not capable enough to acquire certificate of wealth acquisition by cultivating qualities like strength, boldness, wealth exhibition (Once again, it’s not about show off! BMW is not an indicator of exhibition!), kindness, heroism, generosity then it’s better for her or him to live life as a dependent; like child dependent on parents , beggar dependent on society and wicked dependent on government/mafias/pirates – the ghetto way of living life.

My learning

Wealth earned boldly, utilized charitably, invested heroically and consumed (for personal usage) frugally will never lead to any type of financial crisis and ensure happy life.

1. A fighting unit consisting of 109350 foot-soldiers, 65610 horses and horsemen, 21870 elephants and elephant warriors, and 21870 chariots and their human equipment.)

l l Shlok – 2 l l

Tamaavaha jatavedo
Lakshmimananpagaminim
Yasyaam hiranyam vindeyam
Gamasvam purushanaham

Translation:

O, Agni, the great fire-god, with the blessings of Mahalakshmi, wealth and prosperity, gold and cattle, horses and useful animals, family and children and every type of prosperity will come to me. By the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi in my home, the prosperity will be imperishable. Health, friends, knowledge, everlasting peace and finally freedom — all these types of wealth will be mine by the arrival of the Universal Mother, Lakshmi, into my home.

Unlimited Wealth, Unfailing objective & Universal mother

Unlimited wealth (Indian ‘gold’):
I think we all read about golden hisotry of India. Still, I am 100% sure that nobody knows the fact that i am about to justify. Archeologists studying history of India concluded that India might have been inhabited around at least the Middle Pleistocene era, somewhere between 200,000 to 500,000 years ago. Prehistoric era of India existed from Stone age, Bronze age, Iron age, Vedic period, Mahajanapadas, Persian and Greek invasions, The Maghadas, Early middle kingdoms – ‘The golden age’, Late middle kingdom -’The classic age’, The Islamic sultanate, The Mughal era, Post Mughal regional kingdoms, Colonial era and the Indian independence movement up to Independence & partition. Out of that, whole world had seen stone age, bronze age and iron age, but only India had seen the Vedic period and its extension in the form of Mahajanapadas, Persian and Greek invasions, the Maghadas and Early middle kingdoms – ‘The golden age’. This was the time of our cultural and intellectual enlightenment. At the same time, Nalanda University was founded and Sanskrit was the language of communication. After Golden age, people started invading India for all purposes. The reason of invasion was prosperity. The golden age does not mean we were having ‘Gold’ everywhere. But, this means our intellectuality was like gold; pure and precious. Yes, there are possibilities that with those values and intellectuality we would have gained prosperity and this wealth have been used as ‘Gold’ collectively. Again, Wealth does not mean money but it is different facets of happiness. If at all money is the wealth, than UAE (with precious oil) and South Africa (with gold mines) are the wealthiest countries of the world. But, recent research shows that USA (who owes more than any country) is the wealthiest country of the world.

Nalanda University

Goddess Lakshmi who shines like gold, yellow in hue, gold & silver garlands and moon, which shows the description of having wealth and becoming wealthy. And, health, friends, knowledge, everlasting peace, freedom, gold, silver, wealth, prosperity, horses, other useful animals, family, children and every type of prosperity – are examples of wealth which can be gained by arrival of Lakshmi at our homes which is portrayed in this description of second shlok ( Check above). Wealth is subjective and having wealth in your preference makes you happy and contented. It is also observed that both the ends of economic pendulum are unhappy. Maslow’s hierarchy principle ( Click here for more about hierarchy principle )shows importance of materialistic life to people across every aspects of economic scale and confirms the ideas of Sri Suktam. Research had also shown that poor and middle class people are emotionally salient and mentally stable compared to rich people. At last, Becoming rich without understanding wealth is like inviting uninvited problems.

Unfailing objective:
Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from its elemental form “LakS,” meaning to perceive or observe. This is synonymous with “LakSya,” meaning aim or objective. Lakshmi is thus goddess of the means to achieving objectives, including prosperity in the lives of mankind. So, Lakshmi means achievement or objective whic is unfailing. It reminds me of Arjuna and its manner of looking only at the eye of fish.

Universal mother:
We call Lakshmi a universal mother as mother is the one whom we can ask anything anytime and who is always ready. Also notice that, ‘Shall’ is used in shlok translation instead of ‘will’ because we think ‘we have to’ or ‘we will’ get everything we want. Significance of it is because of the presence of unfailing objective (Lakshmi) and its consideration as all types of wealth which includes but not limited to useful animals, family and good men. So now it can be read as, ‘I shall win every form of wealth including cattle horses due to unfailing goddess of wealth.’

When unfailing objective (Lakshmi) is on our side than which financial market can dare to scare us. Again, we all know that being poor and filthy rich are bad but being indecisive regarding the required wealth is the worst. Think twice friends; don’t repent for what we had already lost. Remember, ‘Life always gives us second chance but it’s mostly the last chance’.

Stay tuned for the Shlok-3 next week.