From a satsang with Paramacharya of Swaha, H.H. Pt. Hardeo Persad
In the vast mythology of Sanaatan Dharma, Shree Satyanaaraayan symbolises the divine power of spiritual perfection and fulfilment. Where Vishnu Bhagavan, in His manifestation as Satyanaaraayan, resides, Lakshmi Maa, the Goddess of Spiritual and Material Wealth, is always present. This divine pairing signifies a profound truth: where spiritual wealth exists, material abundance follows naturally. Moreover, the key to a life of abundance, in both material and spiritual terms, lies not in the pursuit of worldly riches, but in seeking spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Lakshmi Maa, revered as the divine representation of wealth, represents two types of riches: material and spiritual. Material wealth is transient and fleeting, departing from us at the moment of death. It is impermanent, and worldly riches cannot accompany us into the next life. In contrast, spiritual wealth endures. It is limitless and eternal, accompanying us across lifetimes, manifesting itself in every incarnation. The symbolism of the six coins placed around the deeya during puja illustrates the six forms of this spiritual wealth—known as shat sampat—which are: tranquillity of mind, serenity, control of the senses, endurance, faith and renunciation of selfish actions and desires. Possessing these six divine qualities signifies true wealth, a wealth that transcends the limitations of the physical world.
Attaining the spiritual riches of Lakshmi Maa can only be achieved through the worship of Bhagavan Vishnu, in His form as Satyanaaraayan. But how does one invite Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi Maa into their life? The answer lies in karma—the principle of action. Symbolically, Lord Vishnu is depicted sitting on Garuda, the mighty eagle, who represents karma in its highest form. The two wings of Garuda symbolise vivek (discerning wisdom) and vairaagya (dispassion or detachment). Together, these qualities enable us to act without attachment to the outcomes of our efforts.
Vivek represents the power of discernment, the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and illusion, and to act with wisdom and understanding. Vairaagya is the state of internal detachment, a surrender of personal desires and expectations. It is the renunciation of selfish motives and the ability to trust that the results of our actions rest in the hands of the Divine. These two wings—vivek and vairaagya—are propelled by the eagle’s tail, which symbolises bhakti, or devotion. With this combination of wisdom, detachment and devotion, one can perform one’s duties and actions in alignment with divine will, free from the bondage of expectation. This is the essence of karma yoga, as taught in the Bhagavad Gita, which reminds us that we are entitled to perform our actions, but not to claim the fruits of those actions.
When we act with vivek and vairaagya, we invite Vishnu Bhagavan and Lakshmi Maa into our lives. The material wealth that many seek is merely a byproduct of living a life rooted in spiritual richness. However, when we act out of attachment—motivated by personal likes and dislikes, or driven by desires and aversions—we move away from the path of spiritual abundance and fall into the cycle of raag (attachment) and dvesha (aversion). Let us, therefore, reflect on the purity of our intentions and the clarity of our objectives, ensuring that our actions are performed with the right attitude and spirit of surrender. In doing so, all other blessings will follow naturally.
Spirituality, at its core, is the solution to life’s problems. It brings peace to the mind, clarity to the heart, and a deep sense of fulfilment that material wealth alone can never provide. The worship of Shree Satyanaaraayan and Lakshmi Devi is not about accumulating worldly riches, but about attaining a state of internal wealth that transcends the impermanence of this life.
True success in life comes not from external accomplishments but from realising the divine essence, the truth of Aham Brahmasmi—“I am Divine.” When we connect with our highest nature, the eternal truth of our being, we tap into a limitless source of spiritual wealth that will guide and sustain us in this life and beyond.
May we all seek the blessings of Vishnu Bhagavan and Lakshmi Maa through the pursuit of spiritual wealth, and may our lives be enriched with the true treasures of tranquillity, wisdom, faith and selfless action.
