Childhood stories always leave some long lasting impression in the life. Be it the fairytale stories, or any motivational. My parent alwsys used to tell me a story which convey some hard life lessons. They used to teach me that, The wealth acquired through immoral and unjust means stays with a person for 10 years only. In the eleventh year it gets destroyed entirely.
Fraudulent business practices, Theft or embezzlement, Bribery, and Exploitation of vulnerable individuals are some of the examples of the situations where wealth may be considered unjustly acquired. As we grow older we might forget these lesson and I bulge in some unscrupulous activities. To remind of the good way, our ancient Sanskrit too focusses on these teaching through these beautiful verses.
अधर्मेणैथते पूर्व ततो भद्राणि पश्यति.
ततः सपत्नान जयति समूलस्तु विनश्यति.
Adharmenaithate poorva tato bhadraani pashyati
Tatah sapatnaan jayati samoolastu vinashyati.
Adharmenaithate = Adharma + athate.
Adharma = immoral and unjust acts.
Atathe = afterwards.
Poorva = before.
Tato = then
Bhadraani = good fortune, prosperity.
Pashyati = sees, enjoys.
Sapatnaan = enemies.
Jayati = conquers,
Samoolastu = entirely.
Vinashyati = destroyed.
Before indulging in immoral and unjust deeds, for a while a person enjoys prosperity and conquers his enemies. But afterwards he gets destroyed completely.
This lines warns against acquiring wealth through immoral and unjust means and prophesies. Ultimately such wealth gets destroyed completely. Engaging in unethical practices can exploit others, harm communities, and contribute to inequality, creating a negative impact on society. Unethical wealth accumulation often involves illegal activities, leading to legal repercussions and potential loss of freedom.
Earning wealth through honest means aligns with personal values and fosters a sense of self-worth, leading to a more fulfilling life. Building wealth through sustainable practices ensures long-term stability and avoids practices that might harm the environment or future generations. It is important we should understand the difference between greed and need.
