Surviving Prosperity

Dr. Rajesh Bhola
India
Jan 03, 2014

 

    We can withstand afflictions and face adversities, but seem to find it very difficult to survive prosperity. Many pass the test of adversity, while a majority fails the test of prosperity. Happiness does not come from an endless supply of pleasures; many people who amassed huge wealth are miserable and leading wretched lives. The misery is caused not by a lack of pleasures or physical comfort, but by degradation of character, resentment and a craving for possessions. Rich and affluent people do not generally accumulate their wealth for pleasure; they do this because they think it will make them respectable. They are like the tiny tots, who get fed up with their toys very soon; the gadgets and cars are charming just upto the next (latest) one. The hustle and bustle and the carnival life are unauthentic realities. In contrast, those who have lived noble lives are clearly happy. They realize early enough that afflictions are a part and parcel of human life, and any attempts to run away from them are but undignified attempts at escape. Nobility is the unaffected inner equipoise - the uninterrupted connect with the basic realities of life. The true monk, sadhu or saint is not ruffled by concerns; he is noble even in his penury and ‘mediocrity’.

 

 The Almighty has given a land so large, a sky so high, waters so deep and woods so dark - we can never thank Him enough for all this. We need to realize that if not for the work of Nature, we would have never experienced these abundant blessings. So many good things come our way that we do not work for, earn or achieve. God is very equitable in the distribution of these ‘natural’ gifts to humanity. But when a human being gets hold of some possessions or accumulates wealth, he becomes proud and begins to believe that he deserves them more than the others. The only way we can survive prosperity is to see it as a gift from His hand, and to use it generously to help other people. Nations at the macro level, as well as individuals, grow lax in the times of prosperity and seeming security; and when their earthly comforts are endangered or withdrawn, they feel naked. Comfort and ease are not sins, but they are temptations.  With all the modern amenities at their disposal, this generation must watch themselves with utmost care. Beware the times of prosperity: when it is easy to live, it is also easy to fall.  

The greatest test in life is how we take our ‘successes’ in life. Many people have stood the tests, trials and heartaches that have confronted them, but could not stand their prosperity or success. Many institutions and nations have withstood the dark hours but could not stand the prosperous ones. Some of course turn to prayer, in times of tribulation; we must remember that our problems are perhaps indicators of a chastisement from Him. Great prosperity is often known as the ‘paradox of plenty’ or the ‘resource curse’. In many countries such abundance often goes hand in hand with poverty, and seems to hinder rather than help sustainable development; despite visible prosperity, there is so much poverty and suffering. The great irony of India’s recent economic stagnation is its juxtaposition with the growing prosperity among the nation’s privileged classes. For most Indians the times remain hard, with little evidence that any improvement is around the corner. 

Man’s natural desires and propensities are such that wealth provides him ample scope for indulgence. Yet, it appears, his desires can never be fully satisfied. Man has been ever a slave to craving. There is in him an unending insatiability; he cannot feel contentment even under a shower of gold coins. Wealth should be sought not as an end in itself but as a means to an end - of attaining objectives and fulfilling duties. True happiness lies in sharing one’s wealth. A man should not waste his wealth; it is akin to shaking a fig tree to get one fruit, thereby causing all the fruits on the tree - ripe and unripe -to fall on the ground and go waste. Nor is one advised to hoard wealth, or not to enjoy it. One should maintain a balance between material and spiritual progress. Attainment of prosperity and happiness, through the attainment of material wealth in an ethical manner, ensures one’s gradual progress on the path. Morally, an attitude and practice of renunciation is truly the most virtuous – and is not relevant only for the monks. Without such sacrifice, there cannot be harmony in society. Even the simplest of virtues - such as generosity, liberalism and caring - cannot be practised without an element of renunciation or sacrifice. 

Wealth makes people dictatorial, critical and overbearing towards others. It gives them a false estimate of themselves, by a growing conviction that it was only their skill or wisdom, or righteousness of character that brought it to them. Prosperous people, seemingly led by an unavoidable law of comparison, constantly note the contrast between themselves and the vast multitudes that ‘have fallen by the wayside’. This leads to a host of vices, such as self-conceit, self-righteousness, impatience with the ‘lesser folk’ and a lack of charity towards them. They develop a habit of esteeming people by their material success. This corrupts the very core of their character. This is why prosperity, in a thousand ways, lays the foundation for its own ruin. 

There is a fascinating mist that success brings to the eyes, which blinds people to the very causes that have produced their success. Success causes the soul to forget the very qualities – of humility, perseverance, sobriety, self-denial and consideration for others - that have made most people successful. Of course prosperity can be a blessing, but we have to handle it carefully. We have to remember where we have come from; we have to cultivate the habit of thankfulness; we have to live in obedience to His commandments - especially the ones that require us to care for those less fortunate than ourselves. We have to learn to see our prosperity as a trust from Him, to be used to advance His purposes in the world. The best way to show thankfulness to Nature is to live our life with our eyes and heart wide open, ready to see and feel the needs of others, and looking for ways to help them.

As per Indian mythology, there are three types of persons in the world: the totally blind, the ones who can see with one eye, and the ones who can see with both eyes. The man who is totally blind is the one who can neither acquire wealth nor discern right from wrong; the one who can see with one eye is the man who can acquire wealth but cannot discern right from wrong; the one who has perfect sight in both eyes is the ideal individual - he can acquire wealth and also discern what is right from wrong. It means that the ideal man is the man who is wealthy and virtuous. We should endeavour to maintain a balanced livelihood. This condition requires one to not be unduly elated or dejected in the face of gain or loss, and learn to live within one’s means. 

Dr. Rajesh Bhola is President of Spastic Society of Gurgaon and is working for the cause of children with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities for more than 25 years. He can be contacted at rabhola@yahoo.com