Noble Use Of Money - Book Summary

This Jain text, "Noble Use of Money" by Dada Bhagwan, is a compilation of discourses and teachings on how to use money in a way that aligns with spiritual growth and ethical principles, particularly within the framework of Jain philosophy and the Akram Vignan path.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its key themes and teachings:

Core Philosophy and Context:

Akram Vignan: The book is presented within the context of Akram Vignan, a "step-less" path to Self-realization, as taught by Dada Bhagwan (the spiritual manifestation of A.M. Patel). This path emphasizes direct experience and grace over rigid adherence to rituals.
Dada Bhagwan's Teachings: The content is based on the spiritual teachings and practical guidance of Dada Bhagwan, who experienced spontaneous Self-realization and dedicated his life to helping others achieve it.
The Nature of Money: Money is viewed as a force that comes and goes. Its true value and benefit lie in how it is used. It's not inherently good or bad, but its usage determines its karmic consequence.
Karma and its Impact: The book extensively discusses the law of karma, explaining how intentions and actions related to money create karmic imprints that affect present and future lives.

Key Teachings on Money and Charity:

The Purpose of Charity (Daan):
- Charity is not primarily for liberation but for receiving happiness and satisfaction in return. Giving happiness to others brings happiness back to oneself.
- The feeling of doing good when giving is a gauge of its inherent goodness.
Giving for Inner Peace:
- To find inner peace, one should give what belongs to them to others.
- Simple acts of sharing, like distributing ice cream or feeding birds, bring inner joy.
Direction of Charity:
- Money donated to religious causes should be used for good purposes. If money is likely to be misused, it's better to donate elsewhere.
- Religious leaders should not use donated money for personal gain.
The Difficulty of Handling Money:
- Managing money is challenging and can lead to problems and worries.
- It's easier to care for animals than to manage money.
Money and Self-Knowledge (Gnan):
- Money earned after 1942 is considered tied to negative karma from past lives and therefore doesn't tend to remain. This is expected to change.
- The ideal is to earn enough money to meet obligations and then direct the surplus towards good causes.
- Money spent for a good cause is "real money" and contributes to one's karmic account.
Generational Wealth and Karma:
- In India, positive karma is seen as "sticky," making it difficult for people to get rid of wealth, even if they try. Conversely, negative karma makes wealth accumulation hard.
- Wealth is carried over through generations due to accumulated positive karma. The decline of wealth in younger generations is attributed to the depletion of this positive karma.
Investing Surplus Money:
- Invest all surplus money in charitable causes. Money lying idle in banks is of no benefit.
- Donating money ensures it is credited to your karmic account.
The Flow of Money:
- Money is naturally mobile; it comes and goes. It should be used for the benefit of others.
- During hard times, what you have given for the benefit of others will help you.
- Sharing with others ensures that wealth is utilized constructively, otherwise, it goes to waste.
Types of Charity (Daan):
- Ahara-Daan (Food Charity): Giving food to the hungry is good, but its impact is limited to the immediate sustenance.
- Aushadha-Daan (Medical Charity): Giving medicine or medical aid is considered more valuable than food charity, as it can prolong life and alleviate suffering.
- Gnan-Daan (Spiritual Knowledge Charity): This is the most valuable form of charity. Donating money for books that guide people towards liberation can lead to spiritual progress and even liberation in future lives.
- Abhaya-Daan (Charity of Fearlessness): This is the highest form of charity, involving behavior that causes no fear or harm to any living being. It is difficult for ordinary people to practice and is primarily the domain of the enlightened.
The Importance of Intention (Bhaav):
- The intention behind an action is crucial. Good intentions with limited means still bind positive karma.
- Giving with the expectation of recognition or reward diminishes the spiritual benefit. Anonymity and a pure intention are key.
The Nature of "False" Money and "Fake" Donations:
- Money in the current era is considered "unrighteous" as it rarely flows into good causes.
- Donations made from ill-gotten gains (like smuggling or black money) are a form of "fake donation" and do not yield true benefits, although some good might indirectly result.
- Donating for prestige or recognition is also considered a "fake donation" as the reward is received in the present life and the karmic account is not positively impacted for the future.
The Role of the Gnani and Mahatmas:
- True spiritual benefit and guidance come from meeting a Gnani (Self-realized being).
- Serving Mahatmas (those who have attained Self-realization) is considered the highest form of charity, as their sole concern is the spiritual liberation of others.
- Donating to institutions that print spiritual knowledge books is highly recommended.
Pratikraman (Process of Atonement):
- The book also includes a section on "Pratikraman," a crucial practice for clearing negative karma. It involves recognizing one's faults (Alochana), seeking forgiveness with repentance (Pratikraman), and making a firm resolution not to repeat the mistake (Pratyakhyan). This process is essential for spiritual progress and for purifying one's interactions, including those involving money.
Living with Awareness (Upyoga):
- Giving should be done with awareness, focusing on the benefit to others and the positive karmic outcome for oneself, rather than seeking praise or personal gain.

In essence, "Noble Use of Money" guides readers to see money not just as a worldly possession but as a tool that can be used to cultivate spiritual merit and progress. It emphasizes the importance of pure intentions, selfless giving, and directing financial resources towards genuine spiritual growth and the well-being of others, ultimately leading towards liberation.