Discussion on Pursuit of Meterial Wealth

[Guest guest]

Dear Bhagavatas,

Namo nArAyaNA.

 

Please note my new-email address (nagarajv).

 

About a month ago we had a long discussion on the pursuit of material

wealth; 20 or more posts were submitted on the topic. I submit, today,

the following four verses, from the Manu Smriti, which deal with this topic

in a thorough yet efficient manner (i.e., in a terse but exhaustive

and lucid manner.)

 

Quotes:

 

Chapter 2 verse 94

" Desire is never extinguished by enjoyment of desired objects; it only

grows stronger like the fire fed with clarified butter."

 

 

Verse 96

 

" Those organs which are strongly attached to sensual pleasure cannot be

effectually restrained by abstinence from enjoyments as by a constant

pursuit of true knowledge."

 

Verse 97

 

" Neither the study of the vedas nor liberality, nor sacrifices, nor any

self-imposed restraint, nor austerities, even procure the attainment of

rewards to a man whose heart is contaminated with sensuality."

 

Verse 98

 

A brahmana who completely governs himself, though he knows the savitri

only, is better than he knows the three vedas but does not control

himself, eats all sorts of food, and sells all sorts of goods.

 

ramanuja dasan,

Venkat (Venkat Nagarajan)

KrishNArpaNam