Master Mahashay comes to Thakur Ji and asks, “Is it wrong to earn money?” As he is a householder, his question is quite genuine. Thakur Ji replies, “No, it is not.” Then he asks, “Is it wrong to earn more money by working harder?” Thakur Ji replies, “No, it is not.” Then, Master Mahashay says, “Why do you remain away from money? Money stings you as you touch even a coin. Why have you renounced it?” Thakur Ji says, “Renounce it from your heart. It is not wrong to earn money. But, using it for your selfishness is wrong. Money for the ‘I’ element is incorrect; for family and acquaintances. The money you earn via hard work and honesty is good. But, if you think that you earned it, then you shall bind yourselves in limitedness. If you have realized the soul, you see that everything is yours. The money you earn should be used for serving the world. At this moment, you think that you and I are different, but gradually through service, you shall realize that you and I are one. Aham Brahmasmi, Tatvam Asi.. Once this understanding descends, your journey shall become easy. But, remember, if you think that you have given, then you shall lose. Forget that you give anything. The giver is Lord. If Lord had not given you, you could not give it to others. Even, after giving, if you remember that you have given and followed it, then it is worthless. Forgive and forget.”
Moral: This is the reason why Thakur Ji never touched the money. It is the thing that takes us away from God. Today, we live in the 21st century, and we need to earn. We must use it wisely. When we are born, we are indebted to many people; the family we are born in, the friends we encounter, and others. We continuously breathe and take oxygen from Mother Earth. Even we have begun severe deforestation and making roads and transportation ways across the globe. Some may claim that they do not make anything. But, we use the roads and reach other places. This means we are also responsible for the loss. If you have money, plant the trees, try to restore the habitat of the wildlife. Nature has everything to us, selflessly. Have we given anything yet? We prefer grabbing, isn’t it?
If you do not have money, serve through your body. Work physically. If not, then try to pray for the betterment. But, our minds dwell in the world. We can’t work physically and can’t even think to spend a penny. Can we become a Yogi in this condition?
Whatever you have, is for everyone. If we get something, but we do not receive it, then the giver shall have it with himself. If we get embarrassment, appreciation, or anything, it depends on our receiving antenna. Thus, it is said, the receiver is superior to the giver. Anyone ready to receive something from us is helping us to get rid of our debts. The receiver, be it Mother Cow, plant, or anything else, makes our journey on the spiritual path easy.
There is a story. Arjuna asked Sri Krishna, “Why do you call Karn a great philanthropist?” Sri Krishna said, “This is a pile of gold. Distribute it amongst the people?” Arjuna made an announcement and gave everything one by one to the people. Sri Krishna even asked Karn to distribute the gold. Karn called the people and said, “This belongs to you. Take it.” Saying this, he left the place immediately.
Arjuna had the notion that he gave it. But, Karn didn’t feel this and thus left the place. Moreover, it is important not to let anyone know about any charity. The giver faces troubles as he progresses in life if he announces his accomplishments.
Other discussions: Some may feel to tell about the charitable task that they do to their children. A child remains with his parents till he becomes mature enough. He observes every action of his parents. We should let the children learn the value of charity through the observations they make and never let them know about the charity by flaunting before them.
In Mahabharat, we saw Sanjay. Listening to the name, some make think about far-sightedness. Sanjay was bestowed with the power to see the tatva and narrate about it for eighteen days of the war. He experienced and saw Sri Krishna for eighteen days. We become pure if we experience it for nine days. He became the same, Krishna.
These days adjoining Mahashivratri and Journey of Miraj (divine journey of Prophet Mohammed (p.b.u.h.) to the seventh sky and even the physical journey on Buraq from Mecca to Jerusalem) are quite special. Visualizing the shining Shivaling or a ball of light within our hearts makes us feel the proximity with the Tatwa.
If we get fifty rupees, what should we do with it? Money is a thing that should never be allowed to stagnate, like water. As it comes, money should flow and reach another place. As stagnant water becomes a harbor of mosquitoes, causing infections, similarly stagnant money causes troubles. In Hindi, it is said, “agayaa” viz, something came and went as well. The money is temporary and should be managed as a temporary business. Even we are temporary on this planet.
There is a ritual of Pinda Daan where people go to the city of Gaya and offer. It is said, “Jo Brahmaand Mein Hai, Vo Hamare Pind Mein Hai”, whatever is in the universe, is also in our body. That Pinda is within us. All the twelve Jyotirlingas are within us. We just need to focus and, we shall realize it.