Money for Sense Gratification
Money is a powerful energy, and its application determines whether it becomes a source of liberation or bondage. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that in the modern material civilization, the sole aim of education and labor is to acquire money for sense gratification. People work hard to earn wealth, only to squander it on temporary pleasures like alcohol, meat, and illicit sex. This misuse of artha (wealth) violates the laws of nature and religion, leading the soul into a suicidal cycle of karma. The Vedic alternative is not to reject money, but to utilize it for dharma (righteousness) and the service of the Supreme Lord.
Suicide of Modern Civilization
Śrīla Prabhupāda critiques the modern economic structure as being fundamentally flawed because it lacks a spiritual goal. The standard narrative is: get an education, get a job, get money, and enjoy. But this "enjoyment" is actually a trap. By spending hard-earned money on sense gratification, one simply fuels the uncontrolled senses, which act like "plunderers" stealing one's spiritual assets. This path is described as suicidal because it ignores the inevitable reality of death and the next life.
- Everyone is earning money simply for sense gratification. And there are so many advertisement for sense gratification. If you go to the city, you will find all the shops, cinema, hotel and wine shop and this shop or that shop.
- One who is constantly thinking of activities to earn money and gratify the senses is following a path which is suicidal.
Leadership and Misuse of Funds
The corruption of money is most visible in leadership. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that throughout history, monarchies fell because kings began using citizens' taxes for their own personal luxury rather than for the welfare of the state. The same principle applies to modern democracy and charitable institutions. When funds meant for public or spiritual welfare are diverted for the leaders' sense gratification, society collapses. An irresponsible leader is one who views their position as a license for enjoyment rather than a duty.
- A King is not meant simply to realize taxes from the citizens and accumulate wealth to spend in sense gratification. World monarchy has failed ever since kings began to satisfy their personal senses with the taxes accumulated from the citizens.
- Simply transferring wealth from capitalists to communists cannot solve the problem of modern politics, for it has been demonstrated that when a communist gets money, he uses it for his own sense gratification.
Proper Use of Wealth
Vedic culture prescribes a specific way to handle wealth. Money is not meant for hoarding or hedonism. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites the principle that one should divide their accumulated wealth into five parts: for religion, reputation, opulence, sense gratification (basic needs), and family maintenance. If one is actually religious, their wealth (artha) is never spent on illicit sense gratification. Instead, it is used to perform yajña (sacrifice) and satisfy the Supreme Lord.
- If one has money one should divide all that he has accumulated into five divisions - one part for religion, one part for reputation, one part for opulence, one part for sense gratification and one part to maintain the members of his family.
- If you are actually religious, then your artha should not be spent for sense gratification. Na tasya dharmaikantasya kamo labhayo hi smrtah.
Devotee's Standard
For a devotee of Kṛṣṇa, the standard is even higher. A Vaiṣṇava does not claim proprietorship over money. They understand that everything belongs to Kṛṣṇa and must be used for His service. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that in the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, "not a farthing" is used for sense gratification. Every cent is meant for spreading the mission. This detachment protects the devotee from the contaminating influence of wealth.
- Money is undoubtedly coming in great quantities, but we should not be attached to this money for sense gratification; every cent should be spent for spreading the Krsna consciousness movement, not for sense gratification.
- We do not want any extra money for sense gratification, but Krishna is so kind He is supplying the necessary amount.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the desire for sense gratification is the root cause of material entanglement. Money acts as the fuel for this fire. By changing one's consciousness and using money exclusively for the service of the Lord, one transforms a potential enemy into a powerful ally for spiritual advancement.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Money for Sense Gratification. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.