Divine Grace and the Impermanence of Wealth: Vyasa’s Teachings to Arjuna
In the closing chapter of the Mausala Parva, after the divine departure of Krishna, Arjuna approaches Sage Vyasa overcome by loss and longing. He laments that without Krishna’s presence, he has nothing. Vyasa’s response unveils profound truths about divine grace, human effort, and the transient nature of worldly power and possessions.
Divine Grace and Human Effort
Vyasa explains that when the Supreme wills a person to prosper, the individual’s intellect aligns perfectly to pursue wealth. He gains tejas—a radiant energy that sharpens his insight into future opportunities—and jnana, the wisdom to foresee favorable outcomes. Every act feels guided by an invisible hand, circumstances fall into place, and prosperity flows effortlessly.
Conversely, when it is time to relinquish that wealth, the same intellect falters. The inner radiance dims, foresight fades, and actions lose their effectiveness. Thus, success and failure alike are rooted in God’s anugraha—divine blessing. Even a man at the height of his strength may find himself unable to prevail when the Supreme withdraws support.
Impermanence of Worldly Power
This teaching echoes the impermanent character of maya, the cosmic illusion that veils the true Self. Hindu scripture reminds us: “As a lamp in a wind is blown, so is the life of mortals, here and there blown by the wind of fate.” No amount of power or valor can alter the divine timeline. Arjuna, the mightiest of warriors, is no exception. His prowess on the battlefield was granted by Krishna; without that divine source, every victory and weapon loses its potency.
Insights from the Upanishads
The Upanishads reinforce this message. The Katha Upanishad states that the individual soul (Atman) is distinct from fleeting bodily powers and wealth. True security arises not from external riches but from realizing the Atman’s unity with Brahman, the infinite ground of being. When one identifies solely with the body-mind complex, one rides the roller coaster of fortune and misfortune. Only through steady meditation on the Self does one transcend this cycle.
Teachings of Great Masters
Adi Shankaracharya, the great expounder of nondualism, urged seekers to cultivate viveka (discriminative wisdom) to distinguish the eternal from the ephemeral. He taught that worldly achievements, though alluring, cannot bring lasting peace. Similarly, Ramana Maharshi advised surrender to the Self within, acknowledging that all doership and ownership belong ultimately to God. When the ego surrenders, divine grace flows unhindered, and the soul abides in unshakeable bliss, regardless of external conditions.
Practical Application
Vyasa’s counsel invites practitioners to develop humility and gratitude. In times of abundance, one should perform selfless service and share one’s blessings. In adversity, one should remember that loss too is a form of divine teaching, guiding the mind inward toward deeper wisdom. Regular study of scripture, meditation on the divine name, and devotion cultivate the awareness that true wealth lies in the heart’s surrender to God.
Final Thoughts
Through his dialogue with Arjuna, Vyasa illuminates a core Hindu truth: all worldly prosperity and strength are manifestations of divine will. Recognizing this fosters detachment without indifference, faith without passivity, and joy in every circumstance. As seekers walk the spiritual path, they learn that the greatest gift is not wealth or power, but the abiding experience of the divine presence that underlies all change.