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DISCOURSE 79
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vities. His only obsession was to amass wealth. In consequence, he did not carry out any endeavours relating to dharma; nor did he attain any fruitfulness in respect of the Kamapurushartha .. How could he get any sensual pleasure from his dissatisfied wife? What kind of love or affection or respect could he get from her? Step by step, he became alienated from home. Even his sons and daughters had no affection or regard for him. When such was the situation, another woman entered the life of the doctor, Domestic disharmony became serious. The lives of all in the family were full of agitation and anguish.
What benefit did he get from his enormous wealth? The doctor died some years ago. Probably, he died of cancer. Leaving all his wealth, he passed away. What benefit did he attain from the human state of existence? He did not attain a single benefit. His life was futile; and his life was a failure.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENDS AND MEANS
Those people who consider wealth as an end not as a means will experience ruin. Those who consider wealth only as a means spend money properly and righteously to achieve the objectives relating to Dharma and Kama. They acquire wealth only to the extent of their needs in respect of Dharma and Artha. They earn only so much money as is necessary to carry out their spiritual endeavours and to fulfil their physical and worldly desires. Is it possible to describe the evil effects of an excessive desire for the acquisition of wealth? In the present-day world, money has become all-important. Money dominates all spheres of human activity. Everyone wants to become affluent. Dharma is being forgotten. There can be no place for Dharma in the heart of a man who is covetous of wealth or who is avaricious.
Earning money to carry on one's existence is not avarice. Earning money to support one's family is of course, the duty of a grihastha. Avarice is not necessary in life. The man who is blinded by wealth turns his face away from Dharma; loses his sense and wisdom and begins to love sinful actions. On account of the obsession for wealth, man does not hesitate to harass and
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