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Right Attitude Towards Wealth

By Paramahansa Yogananda

             People shy away from the idea of renunciation, yet they renounce so many things of true value—not the least of which are peace of mind and even sometimes their very lives—for the sake of money, which is perishable. Wealth may be taken away from you, or you may be taken away from it by death; you cannot take it with you. The only value of money is to do good for the well-being and true happiness of self and others. Those who think only of their own security and comforts, forgetful of others in need, are courting poverty; it will be forced upon them sometime. Those who cling selfishly to their wealth instead of doing good with it do not attract prosperity in their next life. They are born poor, but with all the desires of the wealthy. But those who share their good fortune attract wealth and abundance wherever they go. Jesus spoke of this principle when he said, “Sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven.” [Luke 18:22]

             If you learn to share with others, you will see that God is ever with you; He will never leave you, and you will never go without. Depend upon Him, and He will look after you. Do not forget that your very life is directly sustained by the power of God. When you remember that your reason, will, and activity are dependent upon Him, you will be guided by God, and you will realize that your life is one with His Infinite Life.

             He who is motivated by selfish desires neglects his assigned role in helping the drama of God’s creation. He who lives only for himself, creating webs of desires, becomes entangled in those webs. But he who acts and works for God is free. You do not know why you are here on earth, or why you are a man or a woman, or why you are the way you are. You are not here merely to have your own way. You are here to do God’s will. To work for yourself is to be bound by life. To work for God is to be free.

             Learn to be very active in this world, doing constructive work; but when you are through with your duties, turn off your nervous motor. Retire to the center of your being, which is calmness. Mentally affirm to yourself: “I am calm. I am not a mere nervous mechanism; I am Spirit. Though I dwell in this body, I am untouched by it.” If you have a calm nervous system, you will have success in everything you undertake, and, above all, you will succeed with God.