According to karmaphala, we get only what we deserve, writes AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
This fact has been stated by lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, when he says, “Greed is a door to hell, which causes ruination of the soul. Therefore, one should give it up.” (16.21) Greed can be of many kinds. The most common is greed for money. Many succumb to it and even do illegal acts to gain money. Then, there is greed for fame, power, etc.
What are some of the drawbacks of being greedyIJ The first one which comes to mind is that one will remain dissatisfied in spite of achieving a lot. For example, a successful businessman does not stop even when his age does not permit strenuous and stressful activities. This causes unnecessary and quite avoidable diseases in old age of both kinds, physical as well as mental in many cases.
Quality of life will be poor because one is not paying proper attention to enjoying what one has. For example, a shopkeeper is very successful, and earns a lot of money. However, he keeps his working hours same as when he started from a very small shop. By the time he reaches home, there is nothing left except to eat and sleep.
Others dislike those who grab their due share. For example, when a business partner begins taking undue advantage of the other partner, the relationship cannot be cordial. In many cases, partnerships are such that it is difficult to separate.
One does not really know what is good for him. For example, a successful careerist is climbing the corporate ladder fast and does not know when to relax and enjoy what he has achieved. This madness even spoils family life because one does not appreciate that family is where real happiness lies.
Greedy persons often get very frustrated because they are unable to obtain what they desperately seek. Similarly, one becomes disillusioned about the reality of this world, and carries the false impression that one can do what one feels like. Obviously, a greedy person will not have the quality of compassion, and will be considered an inferior by others. How does one cure oneself of this overpowering tendencyIJ The first requirement is that one develops faith in the theory of karmaphala, that one will ultimately get only what one deserves; being greedy brings no additional benefits.
Then, one should be realistic in assessing what one really needs, such that one does not waste valuable time in gathering things one will never use. Similarly, one should consider if what one is seeking is really worth it. For example, one seeks to expand his business for gaining more money but is the trouble worth itIJ Nothing comes easy; a price has to be paid, sometimes which is beyond one’s capacity.
Materialism is a big enemy. If the consciousness is material, one is likely to fall for such traps like greed and lust. These emotions are in the mode of darkness, whereas purity is in the mode of goodness; which needs to be inculcated. Then, one must realise that greed is a problem, not something which helps one’s cause.
Keeping company of satisfied and realised persons helps because their good qualities will help curb such a tendency. Being engaged in superior engagements is another way which will help. Praying to God for being rid of this hellish emotion is another antidote. Thinking of the interest of others will help, as will being aware that greed motivates in a wrong way because one makes compromises with one’s self-respect.
Therefore, let us follow God’s instruction to give up this bad quality if we are afflicted by it, and this should be done sooner than later.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com