Most of the world’s big problems, including poverty, are caused by people who are in a state opposite to poverty – prosperity. It is the untrammeled greed of the powerful that fuels an exploitative economic system which keeps the poor poor and makes the wealthy wealthier. It is the uncontrolled greed of the wealthy that actuates hi-tech industrial enterprises which in the name of tapping natural resources causes environmental disasters, thus bringing misery to billions. The Bhagavad-gita (16.13-14) outlines how greed impels ungodly people to murder and despotism. Of course, greed can afflict and pervert anyone, wealthy or poor. But it can do far more damage through the wealthy than through the poor.

Greedy people, no matter how much they have externally, are unable to find any satisfaction internally. They are in a state of abject poverty – poverty of the heart.

Devotion is the wealth of the heart. It connects the human heart with Krishna, who is the source of the supreme spiritual happiness. People who are enriched with devotion become free from the material craving for more; then they can use whatever resources they have constructively for their own and others’ good.

The world’s most pressing need is distribution of this wealth of the heart – especially among the materially wealthy. Of course, everyone needs it and is entitled to it. But the materially wealthy can do the most damage without it and the most good with it. The Bhagavad-gita (04.01, 04.02) outlines how its spiritual wisdom was preserved and propagated through a succession of virtuous rulers who set up equitable systems for everyone’s all-round well-being.

Irrespective of one’s material status, Gita wisdom stands ever ready to offer inner enrichment, thus promoting the holistic and realistic welfare of all.

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16 Text 13

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16 Text 14

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