In Hindu spirituality, wealth creation often seems at odds with spiritual practice, raising eyebrows and questions. Traditionally, spiritual seekers are advised to renounce material wealth and retreat to the Himalayas. But in reality, living in society requires money. Generating wealth through hard work is not sinful — just like water, money is essential for survival but can also become dangerous if not handled wisely.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us to strike a balance — it shows us how to create wealth, enjoy it, and yet not become enslaved by it.
Facing Reality, Not Escaping It
To create wealth, we must constantly challenge our minds and apply our intelligence in the family, society, marketplace, and business. However, many people tremble when faced with real-world challenges. Their qualifications and abilities fade, and they resign themselves to quiet corners of large or small corporate offices. Some turn to spirituality, calling everything “Maya” (illusion), and abandon family responsibilities to seek God in isolation.
But in the Bhagavad Gita, when Arjuna faced his own crisis, he wanted to escape reality by taking refuge in meditation. Krishna, however, rejected this escapism. Real spirituality, according to Krishna, is to be practiced within society, not in caves.
The Spirit Within
True spirituality lies not in running away but in recognizing that God — or Brahman — exists in each of us. Krishna didn’t fight Arjuna’s battle; instead, by sitting in Arjuna’s chariot, he showed that the divine resides within every individual. Our duty is to bring out this spiritual potential through our actions in the world.
There is little point in meditating or chanting mantras if we don’t act on our inner strength and purpose. Arjuna only rose to action when he realized the Krishna within himself.
When Spiritual Strength Meets Action
Once you realize the Brahman within you and are ready for action, wealth and success naturally follow. When spiritual strength awakens, even physical and intellectual limitations can be overcome. This is the same strength that enabled Mahatma Gandhi to stand against the British Empire — not through violence, but through spiritual power and moral conviction.
Love Your Work
Many people dislike work and perform it half-heartedly. Whether it’s cleaning or coding, learn to enjoy your tasks. When you love what you do, excellence comes naturally. Often, we focus more on the outcome than on the process, which leads to disappointment.
“Work done with selfish motives is inferior by far to selfless service or Karma-yoga. Therefore be a Karma-yogi, O Arjuna. Those who seek to enjoy the fruits of their work are verily unhappy because one has no control over the results.”
— Bhagavad Gita 2.49
The Power of Nishkama Karma
Instead of chasing rewards, give your heart and soul to your work. True spirituality is found in wholehearted effort. Worrying about failure comes from attachment to outcomes. Rarely does success come on the first attempt — each failure brings us closer to it.
“A Karma-yogi gets freedom from both vice and virtue in this life itself. Therefore, strive for Karma-yoga. Working to the best of one’s abilities without getting attached to the fruits of work is called Nishkama Karma-yoga.”
— Bhagavad Gita 2.50
Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Goal
Happiness and sorrow often follow success and failure. But what matters most is your state of mind during the process. Krishna advises Arjuna to stay present and focus on each step. He should not think of the final arrow striking Bhishma, but rather the skill and effort needed for each shot along the way.
Similarly, in life and business, we must embrace each moment, face challenges, take risks, and enjoy the process. The joy that comes from engaging fully in the journey leads to a deeper, more lasting happiness when victory is finally achieved.
The Wisdom of a Steady Mind
The Gita refers to the spiritually realized person as a Sthitaprajna — one of steady wisdom. To create and enjoy wealth meaningfully, maintain inner stability and wisdom. Recognize that happiness is your natural state. The Gita helps not only with philosophical insights but also with practical guidance in times of ethical and emotional conflict — whether in business or personal life.
Its timeless wisdom remains just as relevant today as it was on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
