There
is no sin in the acquisition of wealth nor is there any virtue in poverty. Indian thought
does not advocate asceticism or
renunciation of wealth for all but the chosen few it does not contemplate asceticism as
part of the normal good life ‘Anayasen maranam veena dainyena jeevnam’ is our
daily prayer. Our seers do not look down upon the efforts to increase a man's wealth. The
great talented lady-moralist of the Tamil land, Avvai said ap "Go even across the
billowy ocean and acquire wealth."
"Arthkari cha vidya" says the Vidura
Neeti. In the Bhagavad Gita the Lord character- izes the artharthi who worships God for
the sake of wealth as a noble person. * In the 83rd Sarga of the Yuddha Kanda (slokas 32
to 58) Valmiki puts in the mouth of Lakshmana a panegyric on Artha as a primary and
praiseworthy goal of life.
"From wealth amassed and increased all actions proceed as rivers from mountains. To
the person of little power and energy bereft of wealth, all actions are extinct, like
rivulets in summer. If a person abandons wealth, seeking happiness, he begins to commit
sin and wrong and to lead a sinful life, with increased longing for enjoyment. To the
wealthy exist friends and relations. People regard him who has wealth as a man. He is
considered a learned man. He is lucky and is intelligent.
*thirai kada odium diraviyam tedu
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