How many times we buy things which we do not need? Things which we will never use… Things which just appealed to us and we wanted to have, but never use them. The way our mind works leads us to want so many things; but if we think well and go only for those things that we need, we will not waste our resources, our energy and our focus on unnecessary things. We only have right to those things which are ours by right. If we are able to control our desires and live our life in simplicity, be thankful for all that we have and all that we do not have, we will be blessed with a wholesome life.
Satguru Kabir Saheb taught us to live according to our means, and not usurp others’ possessions. He taught us to lead a life where we can fulfill our needs and help others as well. In one famous saakhee, he said:
“Saanyee Itnaa Deejiye, Jamen Kutumb Samaay; Men Bhee Bhookhaa Naa Rahoon, Saadhu Bhookhaa Na Jaay.”
(see transliteration and pronunciation guide here)
How powerful is this supplication? The devotee does not want to have more than he can handle; he just needs enough for him, his family, and Saints and Sages. In other words, why should we pray for having all the wealth of the world? Do we need that to live? After all, we will leave everything here when we depart from this world. As a traveller in this world, is it not enough that we have what we need to sustain ourselves? Having more than we can handle creates more troubles, more stress.
But we know that the world is full of people who would do anything to grow rich, to become wealthier, to keep their resources to themselves instead of helping or supporting the needy. This is a kind of greed which sets people on the wrong path.
“Jab Man Laagaa Lobh Son, Gayaa Vishay Men Bhoy; Kahen Kabeer Vichaari Ke, Kehee Prakaar Dhan Hoy.”
(see transliteration and pronunciation guide here)
In other words, if our minds are filled with greed, we forget our own self. We are dragged into accumulating riches and are blinded by just satisfying our own foolish desires. Kabir Saheb says: “What type of wealth will you get by so doing?” This kind of wealth can in no way save us from the cycle of birth and death. If we think that this world is everything, and this is where we have to make the most by enjoying ourselves, then we are wrong. Our true self is not this physical body. The material wealth that we amass can only bring pleasures to the physical body. But as Kabir Saheb says in the saakhee, we get entangled in worldly pleasures, thus forgetting our Self. Should we find the wealth which will satisfy our real self, then only shall we experience real bliss.
By pursuing material wealth, people call themselves rich. And they pride themselves on being wealthy, or wealthier than others. This pursuit of wealth make people engage in an endless competition of richness, thus obliterating the true purpose of their journey in this world. Satguru Kabir Saheb says:
“Kabeer: – Sab Jag Nirdhanaa, Dhanvantaa Nahin Koy; Dhanvantaa Soee Jaaniye, Satyanaam Dhan Hoy.”
(see transliteration and pronunciation guide here)
All those who call themselves wealthy because they possess lots of wealth are grossly mistaken. Because the real wealthy person is he who has realised the name of God. It is so easy to get caught in the false trap of Maya that unless people keep the company of saintly people, they are dragged into the wrong path.
There once was a Sage who after going through a forest reached a city. This city was full of nice houses, great gardens, and fine landscapes. The whole city was so wonderful, so tidy and clean, and the people were also very nice. While walking through the city, he found a small gold coin. As he was a monk, he had no use of this coin. So, he thought he will give it to a person who is in need of it, someone who would be poor. He walked through the city the whole day but could not spot a single person who looked poor, in distress or in need. Everyone was so happy. He kept the coin, and thought he will try again the next day. The next morning, he woke up, took his morning bath in the nearby river, and went to sit under a tree to meditate. As he was meditating, he heard a big noise of horses coming from far away. As he came out of his meditation, he saw the King mounted on his horse accompanied by his whole army. In fact, the King was going on a mission, and seeing the Sage sitting under the tree, he summoned his army to stop, as he wanted to take the blessings of the Sage before going further. The King told the Sage that he and his army were on their way to go and conquer another kingdom as he wanted to grow his kingdom. He asked the Sage to bless him so that he is successful in his mission. Hearing this, the Sage took the small gold coin and handed it to the King. The King was surprised and infuriated by the Sage’s action. He told the Sage:
“How dare you give me this small coin? Do you know who I am? Do you know my powers?”
To this the Sage responded:
“Since yesterday I have been looking for someone to give this gold coin which I found in your kingdom. But I could not find anyone who needed it. Today, when you told me how you badly need to conquer another kingdom despite you having such a lovely kingdom, I felt that you are the right person who needs this coin.”
The King was awestruck hearing these words from the Sage, and understood that it was only his greed which was tempting him to pursue more wealth when he already had so much. He thus ordered his army to make a U-turn and dropped the idea of any more conquests.
This story perfectly teaches us how people often give in to temptations foolishly. If we choose a spiritual path and pursue our goal religiously, we will surely enjoy our journey to salvation.
