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Bhikshu Gita - Srimad Bhãgavatam 11th Canto 23rd Chapter

Once there lived a wealthy man in Mãllava who was greedy, parsimonious and petulant. None of his relatives, guests and friends had ever uttered a word of praise about him. He did not enjoy any luxury with all his wealth. Because of his attitude, his children, wife and servants despised him.

Since, he neither helped anyone with his money nor used it to enjoy the pleasures of this world (bereft of both dharma and kãma), he also earned the displeasure of the gods. Therefore his 'punyas' were also reduced. Suddenly, one day his wealth was taken away by thieves, his relatives, the King and other people. Half of his wealth was destroyed by fire and the wealth he had buried in the earth was also lost.

Sudden loss of wealth threw him into deep anxiety and sorrow. All his relatives left him. But, by the Grace of God, he suddenly grew dispassionate. He blamed himself for having been so concerned about his wealth. He thought to himself- “Due to my greed for wealth, this body of mine has been subjected to suffering as I used my wealth neither for the pleasures of this world nor for charity. This is very agonizing indeed. The wealth of a greedy man is never a source of pleasure. In this world, it causes mental agony and physical discomfort. After death, it leads one to hell. Just as a leper loses his beauty due to the disease, a greedy man loses fame and virtues.

To be continued ...

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