Even God Cannot Satisfy the Human Greed: A Path to Contentment
Greed, the insatiable desire for more, permeates every corner of modern life. Whether in the endless chase for wealth, status or material comforts, human hankering seems boundless. Ancient Hindu wisdom warns us that even divine powers cannot quench this thirst. This article examines the nature of greed through teachings of the Vedas, Upanishads and epics like the Mahabharata, drawing on saints’ insights. We will define the problem, offer solutions grounded in scripture, explore modern relevance, and chart a path toward inner contentment.
The Nature of Human Greed
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna observes that desire and anger arise from attachment and that these passions bind the soul to the cycle of birth and death. In Chapter Two, Verse 62, he warns: “From attachment, desire is born; from desire, anger arises.” This sequence underlines how craving—once ignited—escalates beyond control.
Adishankaracharya, the great teacher of Advaita, taught that the world of multiplicity is maya, an illusion born of ego. The ego’s constant comparison—more wealth, more comfort—fuels greed. No amount amassed can fill a void created by ignorance of one’s true self.
Problem: The Insatiable Thirst
Perpetual Dissatisfaction
Material gain often offers only fleeting joy. As the saint Tulsidas wrote, “The devilish mind, when it gets an ounce, yearns for a pound.” No achievement or possession can permanently satisfy an ego driven by endless wants.Environmental and Social Cost
Consumerism, the modern face of greed, strains the Earth’s resources. Overexploitation of forests, water and minerals for ever-increasing production endangers ecosystems and marginalises vulnerable communities.Spiritual Disconnection
With souls tethered to possessions, people lose sight of deeper values: compassion, selfless service and inner peace. The result is widespread anxiety, competition and fractured relationships.
Insights from the Mahabharata
The Mahabharata, Hindu religion’s great epic, abounds in warnings against greed. In the counsel of Bhishma to Yudhishthira on the eve of war, he cites Duryodhana’s insatiable envy for the Pandavas’ kingdom as the root of conflict and suffering. Bhishma says: “Desire for another’s wealth is the wealth of a fool, for it breeds hatred and destruction.”
Similarly, the episode of the Syamantaka jewel illustrates that unchecked desire leads to mistrust and conflict, even among devotees of Lord Krishna. Though the gem promised riches, it sowed discord and nearly cost lives, teaching that material objects cannot secure true happiness.
Teachings of Saints and Scriptures
Bhagavad Gita: The remedy for desire lies in selfless action (karma yoga). Acting without craving the fruits of work cuts the roots of greed (Chapter Three, Verse 9).
Upanishads: “That which is the finest essence—this whole world has that as its Self. That is Reality. That is Atman. Know thy Self and be free.” By realizing Atman, one transcends petty desires for external gains.
Saint Kabir: He declaimed, “Greed devours reason, as fire consumes straw.” Kabir’s verses urge simplicity and contentment as paths to divine remembrance.
Tulsidas: In his Ramcharitmanas, he extols the virtue of santosha—contentment—as essential for spiritual growth.
Path of Solution
Cultivate Santosha (Contentment)
Accept life’s circumstances with gratitude. Daily reflection on blessings reduces the impulse for more. Simple practices like keeping a gratitude journal help shift focus from lack to abundance of experiences.Practice Niskama Karma (Selfless Action)
Engage in work or service without expectation of reward. Volunteer in community projects, share resources and treat every act as an offering to the Divine.Inner Inquiry and Meditation
Guided meditation on the Self, as taught in the Upanishads, dissolves egoic cravings. Even a brief morning mindfulness routine can foster a witness consciousness that observes desires without identification.Limit Consumption
Adopt ethical minimalism. Before acquiring, ask: "Do I truly need this?" Reducing waste and valuing quality over quantity diminishes the cycle of craving.Study and Reflection
Regular reading of scripture and saintly teachings anchors the mind in timeless wisdom rather than passing trends. Joining study circles or satsangs offers community support.
Modern Day Relevance
In the age of social media and targeted advertising, desires are engineered for endless escalation. Algorithms amplify envy by showcasing curated lifestyles and possessions. The Hindu path of niskama karma and detachment counters this influence. Just as old kings hoarded treasure only to meet death, modern wealth—unchecked—fails to guarantee security or happiness.
Corporate leaders now embrace the concept of conscious capitalism and environmental stewardship, echoing Hindu principles of dharma (right action) and ahimsa (non harm). Organizations that prioritize social welfare alongside profit mirror the balanced life described in the Gita.
Beyond Greed to Grace
Even God cannot fill the cavern of endless greed. Hindu wisdom reminds us that only by turning inward—toward the divine Self—can we transcend cravings. The Mahabharata tells us that desire unbridled leads to war and ruin, while the saints affirm that peace arises from contentment, service and self-realization. By embracing these ancient teachings, we can heal both individual souls and the world we share.
Problem: Unchecked greed leads to personal suffering, social conflict and environmental harm.
Solution: Cultivate contentment, selfless action, inner inquiry and ethical minimalism.
May these teachings guide us from hollow accumulation to wholehearted living.