Money Trail

Dharamraj a retired distinguished Indian Revenue Service officer, lived alone. Investigative agencies often visited for advice. Tracing ugly Money Trails, uncovering illegal transactions and hidden assets had been his forte during service.  

His sister Mansi and her son Sanket were frequent visitors. Sanket had just completed his graduation and was awaiting his results. Mansi knew that this transition from student life to the working world could bring many questions and pressures. She requested Dharamraj to speak to Sanket and his friends about the Spiritual Money Trail he had been reflecting upon.

The youngsters were curious. Dharamraj began: “A satisfied life is better than merely a successful life. Success is often measured by others; satisfaction is measured within. Money can provide comfort and opportunity, but it cannot by itself define the quality of a life. A rich man’s satisfaction can be far below a poor man’s.”

Viewing money through a spiritual lens can help you build long-term fulfilment rather than short term burn outs. Every rupee we earn and spend leaves a trail- not only in our bank account, but potentially on character, relationships and conscience.

When money is earned through honesty, effort and fairness, we can carry it with dignity. When it comes through dishonesty, exploitation or cutting corners, the money may be legal tender, but the trail it leaves within us can be very costly.

Likewise, spending is a choice. Money can serve needs, learning, family compassion, and growth- or feed greed, waste and harmful desires. Under-promise and over-deliver, keep your professional money trail clean. Money is useful when it flows with purpose: fear-driven hoarding and reckless spending can both distort its value.”

He paused. “Many spiritual traditions caution us about our relationship with wealth. Gurbani reminds us that worldly wealth does not accompany us beyond life, while Naam is described as lasting wealth.

“My grandfather had an interesting way of putting it; ‘Tell me what you think of money and I will tell you what you think of God.” He often reminded us that “what we possess is ultimately entrusted to us.”

Dharmaraj then shared two experiences. A landlord once bought a fertile land from an ageing farmer. With children settled in town and little choice, landlord forced the farmer to accept less than its fair value. Yet when the landlord cultivated the same land, the yield repeatedly fell far below than what the farmer would get.

“Was that Karma?” Dharmaraj asked. Perhaps, or perhaps life simply has consequences we do not immediately understand. What matters is the question; What kind of trail did the transaction leave behind?”

He recalled another young businessman whose first rice-trading venture was running into losses despite honest dealing, fair pricing, and good quality”. A wise person advised him, “Do not abandon your values because the results are difficult today”. Mansi intervened was his past karmas settling. Dharmaraj smiled and said “he continued to work honestly and patiently. Gradually he cleared his debts and built a flourishing business.

Dharmaraj looked at the youngsters “your generation has another money trail to watch - your digital trail. UPI payments, cards, subscriptions, on line purchases, loans and instant buying can make money disappear without feeling the weight of each decision.

He smiled “Appreciate the money you have. Spend it consciously. Save responsibly. Share when you can. Earn it honestly. And before every transaction, ask yourself: what trail is the money leaving behind?

Remember the old saying "Bani Kantth, Paisa Gantth" – which meant keep ‘bani close’ and ‘money secured’ for life’s needs.

Don’t Let Money Run Your Life, Let Money Help You Live A Better Life”