Those Who Focus On Material Rewards On Earth And Do Not Look Beyond Are Bound To Suffer – Hindu Teachings

Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world, offers profound insights into the nature of human life, purpose, and fulfillment. Central to its teachings is the concept that an excessive focus on material rewards leads to suffering. This perspective is deeply embedded in various Hindu scriptures and philosophies, emphasizing the transient nature of material wealth and the enduring value of spiritual growth.

The Transience of Material Wealth

Hindu teachings repeatedly stress the impermanent nature of material possessions. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna that everything in the material world is fleeting and subject to change. Material wealth, status, and pleasures are transient and cannot provide lasting happiness or fulfillment. The pursuit of these temporary rewards often leads to a cycle of desire and dissatisfaction. As stated in the Gita (2:14), "O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons."

This cycle of desire is akin to a never-ending thirst. When one desire is fulfilled, another arises, leading to perpetual dissatisfaction and suffering. This idea is mirrored in the Upanishads, which highlight the illusory nature of the material world (maya) and emphasize the importance of seeking the eternal truth (Brahman) over temporary worldly gains.

The Concept of Karma and Dharma

In Hinduism, the concepts of karma (action) and dharma (duty) play crucial roles in shaping one's life and future. Karma, the law of cause and effect, suggests that one's actions have consequences that extend beyond the present life. Actions motivated solely by material gain tend to accumulate negative karma, which leads to suffering in this and future lives. The pursuit of wealth and status without regard for ethical and moral principles often results in negative karmic consequences.

Dharma, on the other hand, is the righteous path or duty one must follow according to their position in life. Performing one's dharma with detachment and without selfish desires is considered a path to spiritual liberation (moksha). The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes that actions should be performed as a form of service and devotion, without attachment to the results. As Krishna advises Arjuna (Gita 2:47), "You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions."

Spiritual Fulfillment Over Material Success

Hindu philosophy advocates for a life balanced between material and spiritual pursuits. The four Purusharthas—Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (pleasure), and Moksha (liberation)—outline a holistic approach to life. While Artha and Kama are acknowledged as legitimate goals, they are to be pursued within the bounds of Dharma and ultimately lead towards Moksha. Excessive focus on Artha and Kama without regard for Dharma disrupts this balance and leads to spiritual stagnation and suffering.

The teachings of saints and sages, like those of Swami Vivekananda, echo this sentiment. Vivekananda emphasized the importance of self-realization and inner growth over material success. He argued that true happiness and peace come from understanding one's divine nature and living in harmony with it.

The Path to Liberation

The ultimate goal in Hinduism is Moksha, the liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). This liberation is achieved through self-realization and union with the divine. The focus on material rewards binds individuals to samsara, causing repeated cycles of birth, death, and rebirth, each accompanied by its own set of sufferings.

The Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and various other Hindu texts offer numerous practices to attain Moksha, such as meditation, devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and selfless action (karma yoga). These practices help individuals transcend their material desires and focus on spiritual growth, leading to eternal bliss and liberation from suffering.

Hindu teachings provide a clear understanding that an exclusive focus on material rewards is a path to suffering. The transient nature of material possessions, the consequences of karma, the importance of Dharma, and the ultimate goal of Moksha all point towards the need for a balanced approach to life. By prioritizing spiritual growth and self-realization over material gains, individuals can achieve lasting peace and fulfillment, transcending the cycle of desire and suffering.