From a discourse by the Paramacharya of SWAHA, H.H. Pt. Hardeo Persad
In Sanaatan Dharma, Shree Satyanaaraayan embodies the supreme power of spiritual perfection. Wherever Bhagavan Vishnu Satyanaaraayan is present, Lakshmi Devi is also there, for where there is spiritual wealth, material prosperity naturally follows.
The scriptures remind us that true abundance lies in spirituality. When we seek the Divine and cultivate a spiritual worldview, worldly blessings come of their own accord.
The Two Forms of Wealth
Lakshmi Maa represents two types of wealth: material and spiritual.
- Material wealth is temporary; it departs when life ends.
- Spiritual wealth, however, accompanies the soul through every incarnation.
When we perform puja, six coins are usually placed around the deeya. These symbolise the six forms of spiritual wealth, known as the Shat Sampat:
- Shama: Tranquillity of mind
- Dama: Control of the senses
- Uparati: Serenity and detachment from distractions
- Titiksha: Endurance and forbearance
- Shraddha: Faith and trust in the Divine
- Samadhana: Renunciation of selfish desires and focus on the highest truth
When these six virtues dwell within us, we are truly rich in grace. Such wealth remains with us; it transcends lifetimes. This is the sacred wealth of Lakshmi Devi, attainable through the worship of Bhagavan Vishnu, Satyanaraayan.
Attaining Divinity in Our Lives
How do Bhagavan Vishnu and Lakshmi Maa manifest in our lives? Through karma, action.
Symbolically, Bhagavan Vishnu’s vehicle is Garuda, the divine eagle, representing karma. Garuda’s two wings symbolise:
- Vivek: Wisdom, the ability to discern right from wrong.
- Vairaagya: Dispassion or detachment (tyaag), the freedom from selfish attachment.
When our actions are guided by vivek and vairaagya, and propelled by bhakti (devotion), we invite the divine to manifest in the heart and the home.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches:
“We are entitled only to our actions, not to the fruits thereof.”
Therefore, we must perform our duties sincerely, but surrender the results to the Divine. This is true detachment. Humans often act based on raag (attachment) and dvesha (aversion), that is, doing what is pleasant and avoiding the unpleasant. Instead, we are called to act with purity of intent, guided by dharma (duty), wisdom and love.
When karma is performed with the right attitude, everything we need, both material and spiritual, flows naturally into our lives. Spirituality is the ultimate solution to life’s challenges.
As we observe the sacred occasion of Kaartik Snaan, let us reflect deeply on the meaning of the religious practices. True success comes not only from the external acts, but from understanding their spiritual essence.
When we connect with our divine nature, the truth of Aham Brahmasmi (“I am the Divine”), then we will realise the eternal wealth within us.
