Happiness and Money

Happiness and Money Few days back had gone to my in laws place in Rishikesh the Yoga capital. Whenever I visit there I make it a routine to walk in the marine drive path alongside the Ganga . Once doing so this time saw a man – A traveler with limited belongings next to the river. I had just gone down the path and was practising pranayama and asanas next to the river but bit far from him. I kept noticing his actions. Inspite of his not so well monetary state he looked joyful and kept singing to himself. He just had a bath and was bringing set of clothes to the river to wash them. He had a bed sheet and few belongings there. It looked he was staying here next to the river in the open. Something came to my mind and the single note of 100/- during walk I had brought I just put on his bed sheet and went to talk to him. I generally do not gift money to beggars and people on the road so was a surprise for me too, though it was in back of mind if I really feel like would do so one day. He thanked and greeted me and came to talk to me. I had just gone to give money but seeing his enthusiasm asked him where he was from. He had come from Ayodhya another holy town in India. It seemed though he was fine with the money given but he wanted to share his knowledge and spiritual view as a gift from his side. He talked about limitations of money in making us happy and relieving us from anxiety and confusion. He mentioned it just as tool to live and survive but not something to spend your life just to earn it. He spoke a few lines from Tulsidas poems beautifully and with joy. It showed he was not just speaking it but meaning it and inculcating in his life. I thanked him for the words and bid him adieu. The importance of money for each of us may be different but there is no doubt money cannot give us happiness or take away our anxiety and pain. What is important for us and how much of money or real happiness is important. We need to take time and decide for us else we may just be running without knowing the finish point. Even if we have started the run without thinking first we can stop or slow down to rethink what should be our finish point, as this race called life gives ample stops and turns. So let’s start doing it.