It is not a secret that Indians are very obsessed with wealth. According to a public survey undertaken by Reuters and Ipsos in 2010, India ranked fourth with 78% people emphasizing greater value on money. We trail behind China, Japan and Korea who lead with 86%. Accumulating money, more money, buying lands, houses, and gold are general aspirations across generations in our country. However, the above Confucian nations place great regard for values in every aspect of society which is also very evident in the society, which unfortunately lacks among us.
The level of black money amongst us and the unbelievably small number of taxpayers are evidence to our dishonesty and in stark contrast with these nations. With the black money pile up and ‘black economy’ is estimated at over Rs 30 lakh crore or about 20 per cent of total GDP, there are a big number of Indians amongst us who love keeping cash loads with them like kids having Barbie dolls. A large number of Indians are very likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if the demonetization is successful.
On the other hand Confucius, the 6th century founder of Confucian philosophy opposed obtaining wealth in an unrighteous way, saying: ‘Wealth and rank unrighteously obtained seem to me as insubstantial as floating clouds.’ Sadly this may not be valid for us in India to a large percentage.
Wealth is a sign of accomplishment and status in this nation. Whichever place we go, we are bent on owning a house, and make extreme sacrifices to achieve them. We take pride in owing land, building and of course gold. The largest importer of gold, India has imported about 642 tons of the yellow metal within the first nine months of 2015.
Today there is no important ritual in this country where the yellow metal is not required. At weddings, to celebrate the birth of children, or even at the end of life – gold plays a central role. Many festivals require the auspicious purchase of gold as a prayer for prosperity. Both film and folk songs describe India as ‘a golden bird’. The love of gold crosses every boundary: the rich, the poor, the privileged from every caste, class and religious persuasion, fall for its glitter.
This should not be a surprise as wealth is seen as prosperity in Hindu culture. The house where wealth is in plenty is a place that attracts Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. There are several spiritual practices for wealth and prosperity on one hand while sanyas and renunciation too are important pillars of Hinduism. If an attitude change amongst us Indians is necessary, then it should begin with a change in deep rooted mindset. Unfortunately with the deteriorating values and the harsh realities existing today, this change could be impossible for us.
