Proper Engagement and Purpose of Money
The proper engagement of money is a vital aspect of spiritual life. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that wealth is not meant for personal sense gratification or idle accumulation but is intended to be spent for the purpose of the Supreme Lord. When money is utilized to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness, print books, and construct temples, it becomes a source of spiritual liberation rather than material bondage.
Spiritual Duties of a Householder
Śrīla Prabhupāda outlines the specific responsibilities of a householder regarding finances. He explains that a person in the gṛhastha-āśrama should earn money honestly to create an atmosphere of spiritual culture at home. This includes worshiping the Deity, observing festivals, and inviting guests to take prasādam. He contrasts this with the mentality of a śūdra, who spends money lavishly without discrimination.
- A householder should lead such a life that he gets full opportunity to hear and chant. He should worship the Deity at home, observe festivals, invite friends in and give them prasada. A householder should earn money for this purpose.
- A vaisya also earns money honestly through agriculture, cow protection and some trade. If a sudra gets money, however, he will spend it lavishly, without discrimination, or simply accumulate it for no purpose.
Formula for Book Distribution and Construction
Regarding the management of funds within the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, Śrīla Prabhupāda established strict guidelines. He emphasized that money should be used primarily for publishing literature and building temples, specifically citing a 50/50 ratio. He warned against investing donations in business ventures, insisting that the funds are meant for direct preaching activities like purchasing land and printing books.
- This should be strictly followed: 50% for printing and 50% for building. No money should be invested for any business purposes.
- Now print books. Don't use this money for any other purpose than publishing. Some percentage may be kept by you for getting your own house, either purchasing or constructing our own temple. If the present house is available, then purchase.
- Everyone should use his money to spread the great transcendental movement of Krsna consciousness. If one does not spend money for this purpose but accumulates more than necessary, he will certainly become proud of the money he illegally possesses.
Freedom from Attachment through Service
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains the principle of om tat sat, which signifies that everything, including money, is meant for the Absolute Truth. He points out that engaging money in God's service frees one from material attachment. Conversely, accumulating wealth for sense gratification is a violation of religious principles. He asserts that if one is truly religious, their money will naturally be directed toward spiritual purposes rather than personal enjoyment.
- Actually the word om is meant for om tat sat, the Absolute Truth. Omkara is meant for freedom from all attachment to money because money should be spent for the purpose of the Supreme.
- We are earning money by some occupation. That's all. Then what is the purpose of this money? Now, if you are dharmic, dharmaikantasya, if you are actually religious, then your money is not meant for sense gratification.
- It is not recommended that one act only for sense gratification and earn money for that purpose only, sacrificing all religious principles.
Conclusion
The purpose of money is inextricably check to the advancement of spiritual life. Whether for a government, a business, or an individual, wealth is best utilized when it supports the mission of the Supreme Lord. By strictly avoiding the misuse of funds for sense gratification and dedicating one's earnings to dhārma, specifically the propagation of transcendental knowledge and culture, one achieves the true perfection of having wealth.
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 Purpose of Money. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.