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This question is inspired from the current demonetization that is happening.

I remember that Patanjali Yoga Sutras talk about Aparigraha which means non-accumulation. This refers to non-accumulation of thoughts and emotions i.e. not holding onto things and letting go. Also, in the physical realm, it refers to non-accumulation of unnecessary resources including wealth. The benefit of Aparigraha is said to be that the knowledge of other people and past lives come to you.

Which other scriptures talk about hoarding of wealth and resources?

Amit Saxena
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  • Our Scriptures extol the greatness of charity which is just opposite of accumulating wealth that is beyond necessity. – Rickross Nov 12 '16 at 16:27

1 Answers1

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In this regard, the following excerpt from the Śiva Mahā-Purāṇa maybe considered.

Chapter 13, Vidyeśvara-saṃhitā, Śiva-purāṇa

ग्रहीताहिगृहीतस्य दानाद्वै तपसा तथा । पापसंशोधनं कुर्यादन्यथा रौरवं व्रजेत् ॥ ७१ ॥

  1. The receiver of a gift must expiate for his sin by means of austerities or by making gifts to others. Otherwise, he will fall into the Raurava hell.


आत्मवित्तं त्रिधा कुर्याद्धर्मवृद्ध्यात्मभोगतः । नित्यं नैमित्तकं काम्यं कर्म कुर्यात्तु धर्मतः ॥ ७२ ॥ वित्तस्य वर्धनं कुर्याद्वृद्ध्यंशेन हि साधकः । हितेन मितमे ध्येन भोगं भोगांशतश्चरेत् ॥ ७३ ॥

  1. & 73. Everyone shall set apart a third of his wealth for Dharma, another third for Vṛddhi (flourishing), and the rest for his Bhoga (enjoyment). With the part intended for Dharma, he shall perform the three rites of virtue viz. Nitya (daily prayers etc.), Naimittika (casual acts of piety), and Kāmya (specific rites for the fulfillment of desires). By means of the second part, he shall increase his wealth. By utilizing the third part he shall enjoy with restraint in pure and wholesome ways.


कृष्यर्जिते दशांशं हि देयं पापस्य शुद्धये । शेषेण कुर्याद्धर्मादि अन्यथा रौरवं व्रजेत् ॥ ७४ ॥

  1. One-tenth of the wealth acquired by agricultural operations must first be given to charity (before making the three-fold divisions) in order to wipe off the sin. He can utilize the rest as mentioned before. Otherwise, he shall fall into Raurava (hell).


अथवा पापबुद्धिः स्यात्क्षयं वा सत्यमेष्यति । वृद्धिवाणिज्यके देयष्षडंशो हि विचक्षणैः ॥ ७५ ॥

  1. Or he is sure to be evil-minded hastening towards his own certain ruin. Sensible persons acquiring much wealth by way of usury or trading activities must likewise give away a sixth of that wealth in charity (before making the threefold divisions).


शुद्धप्रतिग्रहे देयश्चतुर्थांशो द्विजोत्तमैः । अकस्मादुत्थितेऽर्थे हि देयमर्धं द्विजोत्तमैः ॥ ७६ ॥

  1. Excellent brahmins, accepting monetary gifts from decent people, shall give away a fourth of that wealth in charity. They shall likewise give away half in charity in case of an unexpected windfall.


असत्प्रतिग्रहसर्वं दुर्दानं सागरे क्षिपेत् । आहूय दानं कर्तव्यमात्मभोगसमृद्धये ॥ ७७ ॥

  1. If a brahmin accepts a monetary gift from an indecent fellow he shall give away the entire amount in charity. A defiled gift shall be thrown into the sea. It is more creditable if one invites people and makes gifts to them. One’s own enjoyment gains by it.


पृष्टं सर्वं सदा देयमात्मशक्त्यनुसारतः । जन्मांतरे ऋणी हि स्याददत्ते पृष्टवस्तुनि ॥ ७८ ॥

  1. A man must give others what they beg of him according to his ability. If a thing requested for is not given he will be indebted to that extent even in his next birth.

English Translation by J.L. Shastri


Therefore, we see:

  • Scriptures prohibit any kind of unnecessary and adharmic hoarding of wealth and resources.

  • The gained wealth has to be divided for each, Dharma, Artha, and the Kama, appropriately, as per scriptural injunctions.

  • Instead of "hoarding", charity and other pious activities derived from it are recommended and deemed Dharmic.

  • Overall, it must be noted, whatever wealth & resources is being earned, saved, spent and consumed - all of it must be according to priciples of Dharma, as laid above, and in various dharma-shastras, and not otherwise.

Vivikta
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