Yoga Kshema is the protection and preservation of wealth
provided by god as per Hindu religion. The assurance of protection is given by Sri Krishna in verse 22 chapter 9
of the Bhagavad Gita. He says – to those who worship me and meditate on me
alone, and preserve, I give attainment of what they have not and security in
what they have.
Human beings have material as well as spiritual needs. Their
acquisition involves effort. God takes care of the earthly needs as well as
spiritual aspirations. Scriptures seek to regulate human desires by enjoining
on the individual to act always as if God sees all that one does because He is
antaryami (indwelling) – a witness to everything.
One is free to devise one’s own means and measures of
acquisition. But there should be no violation of morality and righteousness.
Artha (material wealth) is a value and a purushartha (goal).
But one must not be artharthi, running after it as the sole goal. Besides,
employment of improper means in the acquisition of wealth will render the
wealth polluted and repugnant to scripture.
Yoga in Yoga Kshema mean the acquisition of spiritual goods,
also moral and spiritual values. This is as important as, if no measurelessly more important than, the acquisition of material goods. God says that he who
acquires wealth improperly is a thief.
Kshema (preservation) is no less important. It involves not
setting up security guards or throwing a security cordon. Wealth properly used
for noble, humane and scripturally ordained purposes is wealth properly guarded
on its own. This is the true kshema (preservation). Atithi – satkara (caring of
guests) is an important means of kshema. One fifth of all that one has is to be
set apart for charity. But it does not follow that the remaining four-fifths
can be spent as one pleases. Self-control and non-attachment are integral
elements in all acquisition and preservation. Righteousness is a paramount
obligation and has an overwhelming importance in the pursuit of yoga kshema
(acquisition and preservation).
God’s protection of the devotee solely dependent on Him is
compared to mother’s care of her child. The mother knows what the child wants
and takes care to satisfy its needs. Love of God should be that of the child
for its mother.
The words yoga (acquisition) and kshema (preservation) are
interpreted in two senses, material and spiritual. The vaishnava doctrine of
prapatti (surrender) is reinforced by; assurance of acquisition and protection
of what is acquired – material means or spiritual merit.
Source –
- The Bhagavad Gita (1940) by Annie Besant – Theosophical Publishing House, Chennai.
- Encyclopedia of Hinduism Volume XI page 619 - 620 (Rupa – IHRF)