Satsang Bhakta Leela Amrut by Das Ganu Maharaj

The six enemies like desire, avarice etc. are the
underlying causes. These make one believe that the unreal
is the real. When a poor man sees a gold bracelet on the
wrist of a rich man, he feels angry. The anger in turn gives
rise to envy, the desire to own something belonging to
another. One must therefore defeat the six enemies. Once
they are subdued they cannot disturb you with joy or sorrow.
You need not destroy these enemies completely; you need only
to learn to employ them as your slaves, keeping them in check
through knowledge or rational thinking.

"There is, however, one real joy and one real sorrow.
Being caught up in the cycle of births and deaths is the real
sorrow; getting liberated from the cycle is the real joy.
All the rest is illusion.

"How then, should one conduct oneself in the world?
Listen to what I say carefully. One must be contented with
one's lot in life; one must not keep worrying over it. If
riches come to you, accept them but be humble, like the
trees which bend on being loaded with fruit. It is good to
be humble, to be kind and polite but not to everyone. You
should learn to tell rogues, who take advantage of the
kindness of the rich, and be stern with them. Do not forget,
however, that wealth is but the noonday shadow. Do not get
puffed up with the power of wealth and harass others.
Instead give in charity according to your capacity. One should
never borrow and be extravagant. The world may be an illusion
but your destiny is not: it is real. You need wealth to conduct
your worldly affairs.

Wealth is essential but one should not get entangled
in it. Do not be a miser. Be generous but not over-generous.
Remember no one will care for you once your wealth is spent.
Generosity combined with extravagance is dangerous; avoid it
by all means. While giving in charity, consider how suitable
is the recipient. Ask yourself: "Is he worthy of your help? Is
he in real need? and only if the answer is yes, must you give.
The sick and the disabled are worthy of your charity; so are
orphans. All public welfare projects are deserving of financial
help: so are scholars of merit. Try and help, if you can, poor
and deserving women in labour.

(To be contd...)
Source http://www.saileelas.org/books/4chap.htm

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