Bhaja Govindam - verse 29

Chanting of Bhaja Govindam - verse 29 (Download the MP3)

Translation

Wealth is disastrous. Always reflect on this. The truth is that there is not even the slightest happiness in it. The wealthy fear even their own son. This is how it is ordained everywhere.

Interpretation

   In this verse, Shankara warns you of the folly of material pursuits. When he says ‘Wealth is disastrous', he does not mean there is a problem with possessing and enjoying wealth. It is the unbridled desire for wealth and attachment to it that is ‘disastrous'.

   An exaggerated value for wealth comes with a great deal of suffering. It creates a sense of envy towards those who have more than you and arrogance towards those who have less. Wealth becomes a curse. If you understand the place of wealth and know exactly what role it plays in life it is a great blessing. This is why wealth, personified by Goddess Lakshmi, is worshipped. But only when wedded to Lord Vishnu. In other words, wealth is a blessing only to those who have cultivated higher values. External riches without inner fortification lead to untold sorrow. The wealth which was meant to lend comfort becomes the very source of agony and misery.

   Shankara implores you to reflect on the nature of wealth and, in a broader sense, the material world. Material objects can only help you procure other material objects. They cannot give you the higher, subtler and lasting happiness you seek. This is why Shankara says that there isn't the slightest happiness in wealth. And this is verified by Swami Ramatirtha who said ‘Iron and gold are good for buying iron and gold; that is all.'

   Besides, wealth comes only to go. There are times when it will shower on you and times when it will evade you. But that is its nature. If you're desperately seeking it or are attached to it, you're bound to be affected by the fluctuations in your fortunes. The key is to remain mentally detached from wealth while possessing it and even enjoying it.

   Further in the verse, Shankara says the wealthy fear even their children. When the desire for wealth is not guided and controlled by higher values, the greed becomes insatiable. With desire and greed comes attachment. The attachment in turn creates a fear of losing what you have. So great is the attachment to wealth that the wealthy fear their own children. He is putting it in a poetic way but Shankara is only drawing attention to this loathsome attachment to material objects.

   This is the nature of wealth and the material world. Flippant and temporary. It is with this knowledge that you must relate to wealth. Establish a healthy respect for it. Possess it. Enjoy it. But let it not become the be-all and end-all of your life. The happiness you want lies within.