Noble Use of Money

Author(s): Dada Bhagwan
Publisher: Mahavideh Foundation

Page 27

Noble Use of Money
attracts atoms of merit karma and while doing bad deeds, atoms of demerit karma are pulled to the self. When these karmas discharge as an effect, they will either bring happiness or misery. As long as one has not attained Self-realization, he will be subject to experiencing either happiness or suffering, whereas a Self-realized person is impervious to the effects of any karma. He does not suffer the effects, but remains the knower of it all. Good Use Of Money
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Questioner: If a person makes a million dollars because of his merit karmas, should he give to the poor or should he spend it on himself?
Dadashri: The money should be spent in such a way that it does not hurt anyone in his family. First he should ask his family members whether they have any financial difficulties, and if they tell him no, then he has fulfilled his duty. If they have financial problems, then he has to take care of that first. He should do at least this much.
Questioner: But he should spend it towards a good cause, surely?
Dadashri: Yes, he should spend all the rest towards a good cause. Whatever he uses for his own home goes to waste and the money he donates will create a safe-side for his next life. He cannot take the money with him, but at least he can use it to secure a safe-side for himself.
Questioner: But in a way it is the same as taking it with
him!
Dadashri: Yes, but only that which creates a safe-side for you is worth taking with you. So use the money in such a way that it makes others happy. That is your safe-side.
Questioner: What is the proper use of money?
Noble Use of Money
Dadashri: When it is used for the benefit of humanity, or for God, it is good use of money.
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My Intention For Money
If I had the money, I would give it to charity, but as such, money has not come my way. If it ever does, I will readily give it. What am I going to take with me? Give at least something to others. Even more importantly than giving money to others, show them a way to be happy. Give them knowledge of how to live life. If you were to give a lot of money to a person, he would stop working the next day. Therefore you cannot give money, giving money in this way, is a crime. It will make a person lazy. This is also why a father should not give his children too much money, because they will abuse it. An idle person will get on the wrong path.
Inheritance & Charity
Questioner: What if we get more money than we need, because of our merit karma?
Dadashri: Then spend it. Do not leave too much for your children. Educate them and prepare them completely, so that they are gainfully employed. Once they start earning for themselves, you should not keep too much money aside for them. Set aside some money for them in case they encounter difficulties. Do not tell them that you have money set aside for them or else they are bound to run into difficulties.
Someone once asked me whether he should give anything to his children. I told him that he could give to his children, whatever he himself received from his father. The rest can be given to whatever charity he wishes to give to.
Questioner: Whereas a father is free to distribute the wealth he creates on his own, the law says that property inherited from one's forefathers must be passed down to the children.