| I have pointed out
all these defects of the abandonment of wealth as your thoughts are on leaving your
kingdom. To the man of wealth dharma, kama and artha and all else are helpful. The man of
poverty desirous of wealth and seeking it finds it difficult to get it." Nilakantha
Dikshita points out the importance of artha thus: "Dharma is earned by artha and by
dharma, artha is earned. The one is the means and support of the other and vice versa. It
artha can be acquired, then what have we to say about dharma and kama? Artha is the source of the whole world. The loss of wealth spells ruin.
The knowledge of karma leads to moksha. Artha is the authorizer of karma. Therefore by
artha alone there is moksha; kaivalya cannot be attained by proverty." In the
Mahabharata, Santi Parva, 80th Adhyaya, Arjuna establishes that dharma and kama are the
limbs of artha. Agriculture, trade, cattle rearing and all crafts are all done for
acquisition of wealth alone.
Manu says "Wealth should be acquired for livelihood"
'The limitation to the acquisition and enjoyment of wealth, Is according to
Indian thinkers, that such acquisition and enjoyment should not be opposed to the dictates
and principles of Dharma. If this pursuit of wealth means loss and harm to others, then it
is not right. Kalidasa praises the acquiring of wealth for the sake of giving to others. |
