>From the Mahabharata, Santi Parva, Section CXCI
Translated by Sri Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Brigu said: In the domestic mode of life these are
allowed, viz., the use and enjoyments of floral
garlands, ornaments, robes, perfumed oils and
unguents; enjoyment of pleasures derived from dancing
and music, both vocal and instrumental, and all sights
and scenes that are agreeable to the sight; the
enjoyments of various kinds of viands and drinks
belonging to the principal orders of edibles, viz.,
those that are swallowed, those that are lapped, those
that are quaffed and those that are sucked; and the
enjoyment of pleasures derivable from sports and every
kind of amusement and gratification of desires.
Virtue, Wealth and Pleasure
In the domestic mode of life, those who are of pious
conduct, who desire the fruits of virtuous course of
behaviour with spouses in their company, have this
mode of life ordained for them. In it Virtue, Wealth
and Pleasure may be obtained. It is thus suited to the
cultivation of the triple aggregate. Acquiring wealth
with irreproachable acts, or with wealth of high
efficacy which is obtained from recitation of the
Vedas, or living upon such means as are utilised by
the regenerate Rishis, or with the produce of
mountains and mines.
The householder's mode of life (Grihastha Ashrama) is
regarded as the root of all the others (Brahmacharya
Ashrama , Vanprastha Ashrama, Sanyasa Ashrama).
More details about the four Ashramas are featured
elsewhere on this page].That man who in the observance
of this householder's (Grihastha) mode of life seeks
the acquisition of the triple aggregate (viz.,
Religion, Wealth and Pleasure), with that of the great
end of the three attributes of Goodness, Passion and
Darkness, (Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas) enjoys great
happiness here and at last attains to the end that is
reserved for persons that are virtuous and good. Even
that householder who observes the duties of his mode
of life and who abandons sensual pleasure and
attachment to action, does not find it difficult to
obtain heaven.
Without profit or wealth, both virtue and (the objects
of) desire cannot be won
Mahabharata, Santi Parva, Section CLXVII
Translated by Sri Kisari Mohan ganguli
Vidura said: Study of the various scriptures,
asceticism, gifts, faith, performance of sacrifices,
forgiveness, sincerity of disposition, compassion,
truth, self-restraint, these constitute possessions of
Virtue. Do thou adopt Virtue. Let not thy heart ever
run away from it. Both Virtue and Profit have their
roots in these. It is upon Virtue that all the worlds
depend (for their existence). It is upon Virtue that
Profit and Wealth rests. Virtue is foremost in point
of merit. Profit is said to be middling. Desire, it is
said by the wise, is the lowest of the three. For this
reason, one should live with restrained soul, giving
his attention to Virtue most. One should also behave
towards all creatures as he should towards himself.
Arjuna said: This world is the field of Action.
Action, therefore, is applauded here. Agriculture,
trade, keep of cattle, and diverse kinds of arts,
constitute what is called Profit. Profit again, is the
end of all such acts. Without Profit or Wealth, both
Virtue and (the objects of ) Desire cannot be won.
This is the declaration of the Sruti (Vedas). Even
persons of uncleansed souls, if possessed of diverse
kinds of wealth, are able to perform the highest acts
of Virtue and gratify desires that are apparently
difficult of being gratified. Virtue and Desire are
the limbs of Wealth as the Sruti declares. With the
acquisition of Wealth, both Virtue and the objects of
Desire may be won. Like all creatures worshipping God,
even persons of superior birth worship a man possessed
of Wealth.
Even they that are attired in deer-skins and bear
matted locks on their heads, that are self-restrained,
that smear their bodies with mire, that have their
senses under control, even they that have clean shaven
heads and that are devoted Brahmacharins (celibates),
and that live separated from one another, cherish a
desire for Wealth. Others attired in yellow robes,
bearing long beards, graced with modesty, possessed of
learning, contented, and freed from all attachments,
become desirous of Wealth.
Others, following the practices of their ancestors,
and observant of their respective duties, and others
desirous of heaven, do the same. Believers and
non-believers and those that are rigid practisers of
the highest Yoga- all certify to the excellence of
Wealth.
He is said to be truly possessed of Wealth who
cherishes his dependants with objects of enjoyments,
and afflicts his foes with punishments.
(Arjuna said: Povery is a state of sinfulness.)
Arjuna's views about poverty and Wealth are reproduced
elsewhere on this page]
Nakula and Sahadeva said: Sitting or lying, walking
and standing, one should strive after the acquisition
of Wealth even by the most vigorous of means. If
Wealth, which is difficult of acquisition and highly
agreeable, be earned, the person that has earned it,
without doubt, is seen to obtain all the objects of
Desire. That Wealth which is connected with Virtue, as
also that Virtue which is connected with Wealth, is
certainly like nectar. For this reason, our opinions
are as follows:
A person without wealth cannot gratify any Desire;
similarly, there can be no Wealth in one that is
destitute of Virtue. He, therefore,who is outside the
pale of both Virtue and Wealth, is an object of fear
unto the world. For this reason, one should seek the
acquisition of Wealth with a devoted mind, without
disregarding the requirements of Virtue. They who
believe in the wisdom of this saying succeed in
acquiring whatever they desire. One should first
practise Virtue and then seek gratification of Desire,
for this should be the last act of one who has been
successful in acquiring Wealth.
Bhimsena said: One without Desire never wishes for
Wealth. One without Desire never wishes for Virtue.
One who is destitute of Desire can never feel any
wish. Without Desire the diverse kinds of action that
are seen in the world would never have been seen. For
these reasons, Desire is seen to be the foremost of
the triple aggregate (of Virtue, Wealth and Desire).
Emancipation is productive of the highest good
Yudhishthira said; Without doubt, all of you have
settled conclusions in respect of the scriptures, and
all of you are conversant with authorities. These
words fraught with certainty that you have spoken have
been heard by me. Listen now, with concentrated
attention, to what I say unto you.
He who is not employed in merit or in sin, he who does
not attend to Profit, or Virtue, or Desire, who is
above all faults, who regards gold and a brick-bat
with equal eyes, becomes liberated from pleasure and
pain and the necessity of accomplishing his purposes.
All creatures are subject to birth and death. All are
liable to waste and change. Awakened repeatedly by the
diverse benefits and evils of life all of them applaud
Emancipation.
We do not know, however, what Emancipation is. The
Self born and divine Brahman has said that there is no
Emancipation for him who is bound with ties of
attachment and affection. And since he who has
withdrawn himself from the triple aggregate may
succeed in winning Emancipation, it seems, therefore,
that Emancipation is productive of the highest good.
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