Science Of Money

This summary focuses on the core teachings presented in the provided pages of "The Science of Money" by Dada Bhagwan.

The book, presented by the Dada Bhagwan Foundation, offers a spiritual perspective on money, wealth, and worldly interactions, drawing from the teachings of Gnani Purush (Self-Realized Being) Dadashri. The core message emphasizes that true happiness and liberation stem from spiritual understanding, not material wealth, though worldly interactions are inevitable.

Key Themes and Teachings:

• Money is a By-product, Not the Goal: Dadashri repeatedly states that money is a consequence of merit karma from past lives, not a result of hard work or intellect. The ultimate pursuit should be Self-realization (Atma Gnan), which leads to lasting happiness. The constant chase for money is seen as a futile effort that causes suffering and binds further karma.

• Purity and Righteousness in Financial Dealings:

  • Ethical Conduct is Paramount: Dadashri stresses the importance of honesty and ethical practices in all financial dealings. Dishonesty, even in small ways, binds demerit karma and leads to suffering.
  • The "Pure Money" Concept: Pure money, earned through honest means and with pure intent, brings inner peace and harmony. Impure or "black" money, acquired through deceit or unethical practices, creates conflict and leads to negative consequences.
  • "Religion in Business, Not Business in Religion": This fundamental principle highlights the need to maintain spiritual integrity within all worldly activities, especially business.

• Understanding the Nature of Money:

  • Transitory Nature: Money is seen as inherently restless and temporary. It comes and goes. One should not become attached to it.
  • Law of Circulation: Money naturally flows. Hoarding it or obstructing its flow leads to problems. It should be circulated and used wisely.
  • Merit Karma as the Source: The amount of money one receives is determined by past life merit karma. There is a natural allocation, and trying to manipulate it through deceit is counterproductive.

• Detachment and Equanimity:

  • Non-Attachment to Wealth: True detachment means not being overly concerned with the increase or decrease of money. Dadashri himself lived a life where his attention remained focused on the Self, not his successful business.
  • Equanimity in Profit and Loss: Business inherently involves profit and loss. One should remain balanced and not get overly excited by profit or depressed by loss. This state of equanimity is crucial for spiritual progress.
  • "Fault is of the Sufferer": This key principle encourages taking responsibility for one's own circumstances, rather than blaming others. Understanding this helps in overcoming anger, pride, attachment, and greed (kashays).

• Greed (Lobh) as the Root of Suffering:

  • Perpetuates Worldly Life: Greed is identified as the primary reason for continued cycles of birth and death. It prevents contentment and leads to continuous suffering.
  • Breaking Greed: Greed can be broken through major financial losses or, more effectively, through the guidance of a Gnani Purush and adherence to spiritual principles.
  • Contentment vs. Greed: Contentment is an inner understanding that leads to a lack of desire for more, whereas greed is a constant yearning for accumulation.

• The Role of Knowledge and Awareness:

  • Self-Knowledge (Atma Gnan): This is the ultimate knowledge that brings true happiness and liberation. It can only be attained from a Self-realized being (Gnani Purush).
  • Worldly Awareness: While worldly awareness is necessary for practical matters, excessive worldly concern, especially related to money, leads to kashays and hinders spiritual progress.

• Practical Advice:

  • Generosity and Giving: Giving generously, especially for spiritual causes and to help others, creates merit karma and brings inner happiness.
  • Honesty in Business: Maintain ethical practices, even if it means setting limits on dishonesty rather than complete abandonment of it, as taught by Dadashri.
  • Repentance (Pratikraman): If one acts unethically, sincere repentance and a vow not to repeat the mistake can mitigate negative karmic consequences.
  • Focus on the Soul: Ultimately, all worldly pursuits, including earning money, should be secondary to the pursuit of the Self.

In essence, "The Science of Money" by Dada Bhagwan provides a profound spiritual framework for understanding and navigating financial matters, guiding individuals towards inner peace, liberation, and a life free from the anxieties and suffering associated with material pursuits. The teachings emphasize that true wealth lies in spiritual purity and self-realization, not in the accumulation of money.