How to Become Rich: 12 Lessons I Learnt from Vedic and Puranic Stories

Description

Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth. Her arrival is considered auspicious, while her departure is bad and inauspicious. In temples, gods are bedecked with jewels; during festivals, our houses are decorated with flowers, lamps and Lakshmi’s footprints. Clearly, she is a much-desired goddess. Yet, some friends and relatives, even gurus, tell us not to be money-minded, or that it is wrong to equate Lakshmi with money because Lakshmi is spiritual and money is material. Why this mockery of money? Why are we driving Lakshmi out of India instead of inviting her lovingly into our lives? How to Become Rich is a simple retelling of the stories of Lakshmi found in the Vedas and Puranas. Devdutt Pattanaik deftly explains what Hinduism says about economics at a personal level as well as at the social level. Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Introduction 1 Is Wanting to Become Rich Normal? Annapoorna on Hunger 2 How Do We Earn Money? Brahma on Exchange 3 How Do We Lose Money? Brihaspati on Complacency 4 Who Pays Our Bills? Agastya on Obligations 5 How Do We Save Money? Satyabhama on Saving 6 Why Do We Grab Money? Kubera on Extortion and Exploitation 7 How Do We Manage Money? Ganesha on Accounting and Planning 8 Why Can We Never Avoid Taxes? Shukra on Fairness 9 How Do We Guard Wealth? Hanuman on Insurance and Will 10 How Do We Attract Money? Vishnu on Repeat Orders and Referrals 11 How Do We Share Money? Varuna on Charity and Investment 12 How Do We Grow Money? Shakambari on Debt and Equity Conclusion Acknowledgements