Greed Vs Profit: Why world needs to practise Parmarth Vayapaar

सदियों से, ऋग्वेद, साम-वेद, यजुर-वेद, और अथर्व-वेद हमारे लिए सभी ज्ञान का स्रोत रहे हैं।

वैदिक ज्ञान के अनुसार, मनुष्य के रूप में हमारे पाँच अनिवार्य कर्तव्य या जिम्मेदारियाँ हैं।
ये कर्तव्य स्वयं निर्माता द्वारा हमें सौंपे गए हैं और इसमें शामिल हैं:

1. ब्रह्म यज्ञ (ईश्वर की सेवा)
2. देव यज्ञ (देवताओं की सेवा)
3. पितृयज्ञ (अपने पूर्वजों की सेवा)
4. मनुष्ययज्ञ (साथी मनुष्यों की सेवा)
5. भूतयज्ञ (बाकी प्राणियों की सेवा)

वेदों में यह भी उल्लेख किया गया है कि कर्तव्यों को पूरा करने के लिए धन की आवश्यकता होती है। इसलिए, अपने परिवार के लिए कमाने वाले के रूप में, आपको किसी पेशे या व्यावसायिक गतिविधि में शामिल होकर जीविकोपार्जन करना चाहिए और अपने परिवार का सहारा बनाए रखना चाहिए। इसके अतिरिक्त, आपको यह सुनिश्चित करना चाहिए कि आप अपने धन का उपयोग नैतिकता से करें, किसी भी अनैतिक कार्य में शामिल न हों।

जब आप नैतिक और नैतिकतापूर्ण तरीके से धन कमाते हैं और इसे अपने कर्तव्यों को पूरा करने के लिए उपयोग करते हैं, तो आप बड़े पैमाने पर अपने परिवार और समाज के सामने अच्छी प्रतिष्ठा कमा सकते हैं।

In the bustling world of business, the delicate dance between profit and greed often defines the path of an entrepreneur. In India, where ancient philosophies seamlessly blend with modern commerce, the concept of karma casts a profound shadow over these endeavors.

For centuries, Indian wisdom has preached the virtues of righteous living and ethical conduct. This philosophy extends to the realm of business, where the pursuit of profit is not condemned but is expected to be balanced with moral responsibility. Here, the notion of karma comes into play, suggesting that every action, especially in business, has consequences that transcend the material realm.

व्यापार में नैतिक जिम्मेदारी को ध्यान में रखते हुए एक व्यापारी को लाभ प्राप्ति (Profit) और अति लोभ (Greed) के बीच संतुलन बनाए रखना होता है, यही संतुलन परमार्थ व्यापार है।

In the pursuit of profit, a businessman must navigate the fine line between legitimate ambition and insatiable greed. Greed, with its insidious nature, blinds individuals to the impact of their actions on others and the environment. It drives them to prioritize personal gain over ethical considerations, leading to exploitation and imbalance in society.

On the other hand, a focus on legitimate profit aligns with the principles of dharma, emphasizing duty and righteousness. Business conducted with integrity, compassion, and respect for all stakeholders embodies the true spirit of karma. It acknowledges the interconnectedness of all beings and recognizes that ethical business practices contribute to the greater good.

Hinduism: Avidya (Ignorance)
The concept of excessive desire for wealth and possessions, leads to neglect of moral and ethical values. In Hindu theology, Arishadvarga or Shadripu are the six enemies of the mind. Matsarya is defined as being incapable of enjoying one’s own possessions and other material objects, clinging to them and being unwilling to part with them or share them with others.

kama — lust, craze, desire
krodha — anger, hatred
lobha — greed, miserliness, narrow minded
moha — delusory emotional attachment
mada — pride, stubborn mindedness
matsarya — envy, jealousy, show or vanity, and pride

Jainism:
In Jainism, Aparigraha (अपरिग्रह) refers to the principle of non-attachment or non-possession. It is one of the five vows (Mahavratas) that lay followers (Shravakas and Shravikas) and monks and nuns (Sadhus and Sadhvis) undertake to lead a Spiritually disciplined life. Aparigraha is about limiting one's possessions and desires to the bare minimum necessary for living a simple and virtuous life.

Non-Attachment to Possessions
Simplicity in Living
Renunciation of Greed
Elimination of Covetousness
Freedom from Attachment
Detachment from Ego

Judaism: Avarice or Greed
Excessive desire for wealth and possessions, leading to neglect of moral and ethical values. The concept of excessive desire for wealth and possessions, leading to neglect of moral and ethical values, is often referred to as "Aveirah goreret aveirah", which translates to "one transgression leads to another.

This concept highlights the idea that engaging in one sinful act can lead to a chain reaction of further transgressions. Another related term is "bitul z'man", which refers to wasting time on frivolous or materialistic pursuits instead of engaging in meaningful or Spiritual activities.

Islam: (Israf, Zuhd, Zakat)
Islam emphasizes the importance of moderation, balance, and using wealth responsibly thorugh.

Israf: The thirty-second sin, is mentioned in the Qur’an and traditions as a Greater sin, is Israf or wasteful expenditure. It is enumerated among the Greater Sins in the tradition.

Zuhd): In hadiths, zuhd is defined as lack of attachment to the world, lack of profligacy, correct utilization of blessings, being grateful about blessings, shortening wishes, avoiding forbidden things and arrogance.

Zakat: Is a highly significant practise to maintain social order and removing beggary. Further, a balanced distribution of wealth among the rich and poor removes social evils like slavery, exploitation, and crime. The basic concept of annual donation is to promote brotherhood and Muslim unity worldwide in the name of Allah, the almighty.

In Christianity: (covetousness, greed, avarice, mammon)
The sin related to excessive materialism and wealth accumulation is often referred to as greed or covetousness. This sin is condemned in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ and the apostles warn against the love of money and the pursuit of material possessions at the expense of Spiritual values and the well-being of others.

The concept of greed is seen as a form of idolatry, where material possessions are worshipped above God. The teachings of Christianity emphasize the importance of generosity, humility, and contentment, encouraging believers to use their wealth and resources to help others and to seek Spiritual fulfillment rather than worldly gain.

Sone ki Chidiya...

In the annals of history, Bharat, or India, was once renowned as the "Golden Bird" (Sone Ki Chidiya), a land of immense wealth and prosperity. Its riches and opulence were legendary, attracting traders and travelers from distant lands. Let's delve into the golden era of Bharat, exploring its remarkable achievements and economic prowess.

Some notable mentions:

1. Megasthenes (Greek Ambassador to India in the 4th century BCE):
   Megasthenes described India as a wealthy land with abundant resources and prosperity in his work "Indica."

2. Al-Biruni (Persian Scholar, 11th century):
   Al-Biruni, in his book "Kitab-ul-Hind," described India as an exceptionally wealthy country with rich resources and a prosperous population.

3. François Bernier (French Physician and Traveler, 17th century):
   Bernier, in his travel accounts, praised India's wealth, economy, and the luxurious lifestyle of its rulers.

Why Was Bharat the Golden Bird?
Bharat's status as the "Golden Bird" was not merely a metaphor but a reflection of its economic might. The land was rich in natural resources, including gold, silver, diamonds, and precious stones. Its fertile lands yielded abundant crops, and its skilled artisans produced exquisite textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts coveted across the globe.

What Bharat Achieved:
During its golden period, Bharat witnessed a flourishing trade network that extended to distant lands such as Rome, Greece, Arabia, and China. The country was known for its advanced systems of governance, trade, and commerce, including the famous Silk Route that connected it to the rest of the world.

Timeline of the Golden Period:
The golden era of Bharat is often associated with various periods in history, including the Gupta Empire (4th to 6th centuries CE) and the Maurya Empire (4th to 2nd centuries BCE). These were times of great prosperity, cultural advancement, and international trade for the nation.

1. 

   Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE):
   Under the rule of Chandragupta Maurya and his successors (Bindusara & Ashoka), the Maurya Empire extended over almost all of the Indian subcontinent, making it one of the largest empires in ancient India.

4. 

   Gupta Empire (320–550 CE):
   The Gupta Empire, particularly under rulers like Chandragupta I, Samudragupta and Chandragupta II, (don't confuse theme with Chandragupta Maurya of Mayurya Dynasty) saw significant territorial expansion and is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of India.

   

6. Chola Dynasty (9th–13th century):
   The Chola Dynasty, particularly under Rajaraja Chola I and his successors, controlled much of southern India, Sri Lanka, and even parts of Southeast Asia, making it one of the most powerful South Indian kingdoms.

Bharat's trade routes extended from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia, encompassing the famous Silk Route and the Spice Route. These routes facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture, enriching the country's economy and society.

Bharat was renowned for its exports of textiles, spices, perfumes, and precious stones. It imported goods such as silk, ivory, and horses. The country's trade surplus and vast reserves of gold and silver were a testament to its economic prosperity.

Bharat's status as the "Golden Bird" was a result of its rich natural resources, skilled workforce, and advanced trade networks. The country's golden era stands as a testament to its economic prowess and cultural vibrancy, inspiring awe and admiration even today.

नमस्ते सदा वत्सले मातृभूमे त्वया हिन्दुभूमे सुखं वर्धितोहम्।
महामङ्गले पुण्यभूमे त्वदर्थे पतत्वेष कायो नमस्ते नमस्ते॥

हे वात्सल्यमयी मातृभूमि, तुम्हें सदा प्रणाम!
इस मातृभूमि ने हमें अपने बच्चों की तरह स्नेह और ममता दी है।
इस हिन्दू भूमि पर सुखपूर्वक मैं बड़ा हुआ हूँ।
यह भूमि महा मंगलमय और पुण्यभूमि है।

इस भूमि की रक्षा के लिए मैं यह नश्वर शरीर मातृभूमि को
अर्पण करते हुए इस भूमि को बार-बार प्रणाम करता हूँ।