Many of us are enslaved to the illusion that wealth and position are the greatest things in life and that if we have those, we will have happiness and peace. Wealth and position are themselves transient by nature. In addition, anything gained through unrighteous means will surely not endure. It is said that knowledge and wealth can never coexist. While this may or may not be true, it is certainly true that peace and wealth that is attained dishonestly can never exist side-by-side.
We can definitely accomplish many things with wealth. But we should also not forget that there are certain things that cannot be achieved with wealth. Wealth can help us build a beautiful house. But it can never build a home atmosphere of unity, love and happiness. Similarly, wealth will attract many friends to us. But it will not be able to earn us a single sincere friend. Wealth can provide us with lavish air-conditioned bedrooms. But it cannot provide peaceful sleep. Wealth can buy us rich and tasty meals, but it cannot buy us health. Wealth can equip us with armed bodyguards for our protection, but it can neither give us a single moment free of fear nor can it extend our lifespan. Most people labour after wealth under the false impression that it will make them happier. But in their haste to earn money, what they lose is a peaceful, happy, loving family atmosphere.
Once, in a village, there lived an umbrella-maker. He earned his livelihood making umbrellas and selling them. He did his work with joy, chanting the divine names and discussing spiritual topics with customers as he worked, content with what he earned. Everyone who came in contact with this cheerful man liked him immensely and he began to earn enough to live a modest life.
One day, the local landlord bought an umbrella from his shop. The landlord was pleased with the umbrella-maker’s demeanor, the reasonable prices he offered and the quality of his product. As a reward, he gave the umbrella-maker 99 gold coins. As soon as he received this money, the umbrella-maker’s behavior began to change. His mind no longer remained on his work. “How can I keep my gold coins safe? Will it be safe at home? Will thieves break in and steal them?” This became his primary concern. He became distrustful of his own wife and children. Over and above this, he began to labor hard, starve and pinch every paisa to earn enough money to pay for one more gold coin to make the number a full one-hundred.
As his desire and selfishness grew, so did his unhappiness and restlessness. He vented his impatience and anger on the people who came to his shop. His customers dwindled and his profits fell. He had to sell his gold coins one by one to make ends meet. Eventually, when they were all gone, he had no other means to sustain himself and his family. The umbrella-maker, who was living a peaceful and content life before he got the gold coins, had only discontentment in the end.
This does not mean that being wealthy is a sin, or that one should not try to earn wealth. There is nothing wrong in fulfilling necessary needs and essential entertainment with the money we earn through righteous means. But we have to learn to differentiate between needs and luxuries. Earn to live; don’t live to earn.
Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, after 60 years of age owing to the diminishing importance given to them and their opinion. But it need not be so, if only we understand the basic principles of life and follow them scrupulously. Here are ten mantras to age gracefully and make life after retirement pleasant.
1. Never say ‘I am aged':
We can definitely accomplish many things with wealth. But we should also not forget that there are certain things that cannot be achieved with wealth. Wealth can help us build a beautiful house. But it can never build a home atmosphere of unity, love and happiness. Similarly, wealth will attract many friends to us. But it will not be able to earn us a single sincere friend. Wealth can provide us with lavish air-conditioned bedrooms. But it cannot provide peaceful sleep. Wealth can buy us rich and tasty meals, but it cannot buy us health. Wealth can equip us with armed bodyguards for our protection, but it can neither give us a single moment free of fear nor can it extend our lifespan. Most people labour after wealth under the false impression that it will make them happier. But in their haste to earn money, what they lose is a peaceful, happy, loving family atmosphere.
Once, in a village, there lived an umbrella-maker. He earned his livelihood making umbrellas and selling them. He did his work with joy, chanting the divine names and discussing spiritual topics with customers as he worked, content with what he earned. Everyone who came in contact with this cheerful man liked him immensely and he began to earn enough to live a modest life.
One day, the local landlord bought an umbrella from his shop. The landlord was pleased with the umbrella-maker’s demeanor, the reasonable prices he offered and the quality of his product. As a reward, he gave the umbrella-maker 99 gold coins. As soon as he received this money, the umbrella-maker’s behavior began to change. His mind no longer remained on his work. “How can I keep my gold coins safe? Will it be safe at home? Will thieves break in and steal them?” This became his primary concern. He became distrustful of his own wife and children. Over and above this, he began to labor hard, starve and pinch every paisa to earn enough money to pay for one more gold coin to make the number a full one-hundred.
As his desire and selfishness grew, so did his unhappiness and restlessness. He vented his impatience and anger on the people who came to his shop. His customers dwindled and his profits fell. He had to sell his gold coins one by one to make ends meet. Eventually, when they were all gone, he had no other means to sustain himself and his family. The umbrella-maker, who was living a peaceful and content life before he got the gold coins, had only discontentment in the end.
This does not mean that being wealthy is a sin, or that one should not try to earn wealth. There is nothing wrong in fulfilling necessary needs and essential entertainment with the money we earn through righteous means. But we have to learn to differentiate between needs and luxuries. Earn to live; don’t live to earn.
Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, after 60 years of age owing to the diminishing importance given to them and their opinion. But it need not be so, if only we understand the basic principles of life and follow them scrupulously. Here are ten mantras to age gracefully and make life after retirement pleasant.
1. Never say ‘I am aged':
There are three ages, chronological, biological, and psychological. The first is calculated based on our date of birth; the second is determined by the health conditions and the third is how old you feel you are. While we don't have control over the first, we can take care of our health with good diet, exercise and a cheerful attitude. A positive attitude and optimistic thinking can reverse the third age.
2. Health is wealth:
2. Health is wealth:
If you really love your kith and kin, taking care of your health should be your priority. Thus, you will not be a burden to them. Have an annual health check-up and take the prescribed medicines regularly. Do take health insurance cover.
3. Money is important:
3. Money is important:
Money is essential for meeting the basic necessities of life, keeping good health and earning family respect and security. Don't spend beyond your means even for your children. You have lived for them all through and it is time you enjoyed a harmonious life with your spouse. If your children are grateful and they take care of you, you are blessed. But never take it for granted.
4. Relaxation and recreation:
4. Relaxation and recreation:
The most relaxing and recreating forces are a healthy religious attitude, good sleep, music and laughter. Have faith in God, learn to sleep well, love good music and see the funny side of life.
5. Time is precious:
5. Time is precious:
It is almost like holding a horse's reins. When they are in your hands, you can control them. Imagine that everyday you are born again. Yesterday is a cancelled cheque. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is ready cash — use it profitably. Live this moment.
6. Change is the only permanent thing:
6. Change is the only permanent thing:
We should accept change — it is inevitable. The only way to make sense out of change is to join the dance. Change has brought about many pleasant things. We should be happy that our children are blessed.
7. Enlightened selfishness:
7. Enlightened selfishness:
All of us are basically selfish. Whatever we do, we expect something in return. We should definitely be grateful to those who stood by us. But our focus should be on the internal satisfaction and happiness we derive by doing good to others, without expecting anything in return.
8. Forget and forgive:
8. Forget and forgive:
Don't be bothered too much about others' mistakes. We are not spiritual enough to show our other cheek when we are slapped in one. But for the sake of our own health and happiness, let us forgive and forget them. Otherwise, we will be only increasing our BP.
9. Everything has a purpose:
9. Everything has a purpose:
Take life as it comes. Accept yourself as you are and also accept others for what they are. Everybody is unique and right in his own way.
10. Overcome the fear of death:
10. Overcome the fear of death:
We all know that one day we have to leave this world. Still we are afraid of death. We think that our spouse and children will be unable to withstand our loss. But the truth is no one is going to die for you; they may be depressed for some time. Time heals everything and they will carry on.
Similarly, when we go in search of more and more comfort and conveniences, we should not forget the overwhelming majority of people who do not have anything. The contentment we earn in helping them even a little is very big. In this way, wealth can become a means to do good to others and to foster goodwill among people.
If we place all the comfort and luxury that money can buy on one tray of a balance and the contentment we get from selfless service and sacrifice on the other, the second will certainly outweigh the first. We should understand the uses as well as the limitations of wealth. Wealth is like fire—it can be used for both, creation as well as destruction. The choice of what we use it for lies in our hands.
Similarly, when we go in search of more and more comfort and conveniences, we should not forget the overwhelming majority of people who do not have anything. The contentment we earn in helping them even a little is very big. In this way, wealth can become a means to do good to others and to foster goodwill among people.
If we place all the comfort and luxury that money can buy on one tray of a balance and the contentment we get from selfless service and sacrifice on the other, the second will certainly outweigh the first. We should understand the uses as well as the limitations of wealth. Wealth is like fire—it can be used for both, creation as well as destruction. The choice of what we use it for lies in our hands.
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