Leaders from the industry, academia and politics shared their thoughts and perspectives during the annual Elara India Dialogue on the theme ‘Ashwamedh, Indian Renaissance’, held on September 4-6 in Mumbai. Extending her best wishes to the conclave, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (lovingly called Amma) sent a message on the occasion, which was read out on the opening day. The following is the text of the message:
AMMA is very happy to learn that Aswamedh 2023, a financial conclave focussed on Indian Renaissance, has been organised by the Elara Capital.
Amma wishes this conclave all success. May your discussions bring the light of peace and prosperity to society and to the world as a whole! The Ashwamedha Yajna was the famous ritual performed by the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. The word ‘Ashwamedh’ also means the combination of strength as well as wisdom. This shows that all strength – including financial strength – has to be guided by wisdom and righteousness. Such strength alone allows society to grow harmoniously.
May all the participants in this conclave be able to contribute towards such dharmic prosperity, in India and throughout the world!
Wealth is worshipped
Spirituality is not opposed to wealth. None of the scriptures condemn wealth. In fact, in Sanatana Dharma, wealth is worshipped as Goddess Lakshmi. This because wealth is needed for the prosperity of society. Without financial backing, no humanitarian endeavour can succeed. Wealth becomes a problem only when people become greedy.
Greed comes when we view money as end in itself and not as a means. Thus, greed is based on confusion. This is because the true goal of human life is not amassing money but obtaining peace, freedom and happiness. With this in mind, in our pursuit of wealth and prosperity, may we never forget our core values of integrity and compassion and our responsibility to give back to society and protect the environment. If we can remain rooted in these values, our material conquests will never become obstacles to our spiritual growth.
The vision of our ancient rishis was vasudhaiva kutumbakam—“The world is one big family.” But today many have reduced the world in their view to nothing but a global market. When we limit our view in this manner, our only goal becomes growth – growth without limits. Unlimited growth is rarely beneficial. Cancer cells have limitless growth. On one level, the cancer cells are thriving, but this results in the death of the individual. As we expand our wealth and business conquests, we should ensure that we do so in a sustainable manner – one that doesn’t exploit nature, overly it resources.
Heart with compassion
In Hindu mythology Goddess Lakshmi, is said to be seated at the feet of Lord Narayana – the Lord of the Universe.
This symbolises how if we keep God in our heart and remain rooted in spiritual values, putting them into action in our lives, then the Goddess of Wealth will never leave us. But for the Lord to be present in our heart, our heart must be filled with compassion towards the less fortunate. For example: If the physical heart decides it will only receive blood and not allow anything to flow out, the individual will die. The individual functions healthily only when blood flows in as well as out. It is the same with wealth.
Acquiring and sharing should go hand in hand. Our heart is like a parachute; it is dangerous if it does not open. There are two types of poverty in the world. The first type is due to lack of food, clothing and shelter. The second type is the poverty of love and compassion. If the second poverty is alleviated, the first type of poverty will automatically disappear.
Because when people have love and compassion in the hearts, they will wholeheartedly serve and help those who lack food, clothing and shelter. Just as financial markets fluctuate, so do the tides of life. Just as we shift the gears of a car as per the changing demands of the road, we also have to be able to shift the gears of our mind as per the various circumstances that arise in life. This is another area that spirituality plays a role. We have to be able to accept with equanimity the ups and downs that come our way in life.
Business leaders’ role
India has made massive financial strides. It now stands the fifth-biggest economy in the world. Moreover, our population is youthful enough that we should be able to ascend to great heights in every field. Our business leaders have a major role to play here – providing the right work environment for these young people, helping them fulfil their dreams and in turn fuelling our nation’s growth.
One of ancient Bharat’s valuable contributions to the world was the invention of number zero. Now our country is in the process of adding some more things to that zero: zeropoverty, zero-illiteracy, zero-waste, zero-crime, zero-violence against women, etc. If we can make strides in these areas, India can become a role model for the entire world. May the discussions held in this conclave ripple across the world, fostering growth not only in the economy but also in the human spirit. My best wishes to all the organisers, speakers and delegates of Aswamedh 2023.
Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu!
