Greed, especially in the world of trading and finance, is often seen as a major challenge that can lead to loss of wealth, peace, and stability. Hinduism offers several spiritual solutions and practical approaches to help individuals control their greed and develop a balanced approach to wealth. Below is a detailed guide combining philosophy, mantras, stories, gods and goddesses to worship, and practical solutions rooted in Hinduism.
1. Understanding Greed from a Hindu Perspective
In Hinduism, greed (lobha) is considered one of the arishadvargas (six enemies of the mind), alongside desire, anger, delusion, pride, and jealousy. It is seen as a binding force that distracts an individual from attaining moksha (liberation). The ancient scriptures emphasize the importance of contentment (santosha) and performing one’s duty with detachment (nishkama karma), where wealth should be pursued but not obsessed over.
Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 47) teaches us:
"Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana,
Ma karma-phala-hetur bhur ma te sango 'stv akarmani"
("You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.")
This verse encourages traders and investors to focus on their efforts and duty, without becoming overly attached to the outcome or profits.
2. Practical Day-to-Day Solutions to Control Greed
A. Practice Detachment and Mindfulness
- Daily Mindfulness Meditation: Start your day with 10-15 minutes of meditation focusing on detachment. One of the best practices is anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing), where you focus on the breath and let go of excessive thoughts about wealth and profits.
- Japa (Repetitive Chanting): Chanting mantras focused on contentment and abundance (without greed) can calm the mind. For traders, chanting before starting the day helps set the right intention.
B. Cultivate Gratitude and Contentment
- Gratitude Journaling: Every night before sleep, write down three things you are grateful for. This can help shift the focus from dissatisfaction and wanting more to appreciating what you already have.
- Charitable Donations: Make regular donations of your earnings, even if small, as a way to practice detachment from money. Following the dana tradition (charitable giving) purifies the mind of greed.
C. Set Realistic Goals
- Limit Trading Hours: Avoid impulsive trading by setting specific times for trading and adhering to them. Avoid checking the market constantly.
- Stick to Your Strategy: Establish a well-researched trading strategy that aligns with long-term goals and avoid emotional decisions based on short-term fluctuations.
3. Relevant Hindu Mantras to Overcome Greed
A. Mantras of Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth)
Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity but also of balance and wisdom. Worshipping her reminds us that wealth should come through righteous means and be used for good purposes.
Mantra:
"Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah"
(Translation: "I offer my salutations to the goddess Lakshmi who grants prosperity and abundance.")
Chant this mantra 108 times daily, especially in the morning before trading, to invoke her blessings for balanced wealth.
B. Kubera Mantra (God of Wealth Management)
Lord Kubera is the divine treasurer and symbolizes disciplined wealth management. Worshiping him helps ensure that your wealth is managed wisely without greed.
Mantra:
"Om Yakshaaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhana-Dhanyadi Pataye Dhana Dhanyadi Samruddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha"
(Translation: "Salutations to Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, grant me prosperity and wealth.")
Chanting this mantra regularly will help focus your mind on responsible handling of money rather than hoarding it out of greed.
C. Lord Ganesha Mantra (Remover of Obstacles)
Ganesha is often worshiped before starting any new venture, including trading. His worship helps remove mental and emotional obstacles like greed.
Mantra:
"Om Gan Ganapataye Namah"
(Translation: "Salutations to Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles.")
Chant this mantra 108 times before starting your trading session to remove greed-related mental obstacles.
D. Mantra of Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom)
For traders, wisdom and sharp intellect are crucial. Saraswati helps one stay calm and avoid emotional pitfalls like greed.
Mantra:
"Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah"
(Translation: "I offer my salutations to Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of wisdom and intellect.")
Chant this mantra to sharpen your decision-making skills in trading and avoid decisions driven by greed.
4. Hindu Stories That Illustrate Overcoming Greed
A. The Story of King Harishchandra
King Harishchandra was a noble ruler who gave up his entire kingdom, wealth, and family to uphold the truth. His life teaches the importance of integrity and truth over material wealth, showing how righteousness can triumph over greed. Traders can take inspiration from his ability to let go of material wealth in favor of ethical values.
B. The Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan)
The churning of the ocean by devas and asuras is a story about balancing the pursuit of wealth with patience and divine guidance. The emergence of Lakshmi during the churning represents that true wealth comes through perseverance and virtue, not greed.
5. Worship of Ideal Gods and Goddesses
A. Goddess Kali (The Destroyer of Ego and Attachment)
Goddess Kali symbolizes the destruction of ego and attachments, including the attachment to wealth. For traders struggling with greed, her worship can be empowering. She helps to transform desires and liberate the individual from the chains of material obsession.
Mantra:
"Om Krim Kalikayai Namah"
(Translation: "Salutations to Goddess Kali, who destroys ignorance and material attachment.")
Worship Kali on Amavasya (new moon) days to control greed and bring about inner transformation.
B. Lord Hanuman (Devotion and Selfless Service)
Hanuman embodies selflessness, devotion, and purity of intention. For traders, he represents strength and stability, helping them stay focused on their duty without being swayed by greed.
Mantra:
"Om Hanumate Namah"
(Translation: "Salutations to Lord Hanuman, the embodiment of devotion and strength.")
Chant this mantra on Tuesdays to enhance self-discipline in trading and to avoid greed.
6. Quotes from Hindu Scriptures on Greed
- Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 16, Verse 21):
"There are three gates to this self-destructive hell: lust, anger, and greed. Therefore, one must give up these three."
- Manusmriti (Chapter 4, Verse 10):
"Let him avoid greed, pride, hypocrisy, and anger, and not seek honour or fame by a display of knowledge or renown."
7. Practical Tips for Traders
- Avoid Emotional Trading: Keep a journal of your trades and document any emotionally-driven decisions (like those driven by greed) to identify patterns.
- Seek Guidance from a Mentor: Sometimes, having an external perspective, like that of a mentor, can help control the tendency to make rash decisions driven by greed.
8. Inspiration for Traders: Importance of Dharma
Finally, remember that Hinduism teaches the importance of dharma (righteous duty) in all areas of life, including business and trading. Making money is not sinful, but it must be done in alignment with ethical values. Focus on righteous earning, which comes through hard work, patience, and divine blessings.
Overcoming greed in trading is a spiritual journey that requires mental discipline, spiritual practices, and a righteous approach to wealth. By incorporating Hindu teachings, mantras, and worship of specific deities, one can cultivate contentment, wisdom, and a balanced relationship with money, leading to long-term success without the negative effects of greed.