Ayadravyanusarena Vyavaha Karyo Hi Sarvada |
Anyatha Tu Mahad Dukham Bhavedityavadharyataam ||145||
They should always (Sarvada) spend (Karya) money (Dravya) for the household (Vyavaha) according (Anusara) to their income (Aya). A simple but necessary Shloka. Thus Lord Swaminarayan forbids overspending and also according to Shatanand, underspending as well. Hence one should not be greedy with their money. Their excess income should be used in donation.
Those that overspend beyond their capacity (their income) face difficulties. Vrudha Charankya explains, ‘The best wisdom (or advice) is to spend less than their income.’ ‘Those whose income is for four but who spend for five or six (in terms of providing for such number of people) become Dharmabhrashta (betrayers of their duty).’ Kamakhanda Niti explains, ‘Those who spend excessively and repay the shortfall by borrowing money from elsewhere are consuming poison.’
This is a straightforward lesson in Economics and personal accounting. Those who spend excessively have to live in debt leading to social costs of depression, unrest and general unwell. Such foolish spending makes the whole family suffer as a result. Similarly, those who are wealthy and have excess income should spend this excess income so that all can benefit from it. This can be done by donating to various good causes or organising religious festivals such as a ‘Katha’ or ‘Yagna’. By so doing, one cleanses their wealth of impurities and also is replenished by receiving fruits of such righteous action.