6 My Realization with money

I was just a number in my first job, and I became a statistic on the job market. The prevailing attitude was that if one worked solely for money, one would need to exert less effort to attain the highest financial reward. I was also dragged into this belief due to the laws of job reservation and lost my enthusiasm as an engineer. The culture of sitting in the toilets and reading comics, sleeping most of the night shift, waiting for Fridays, drinking parties, smoking dagga (marijuana), and many other pastimes at work was widespread and it began to bother me. I didn't enjoy going through this work culture and opted to stay away from it. I began to isolate myself and withdraw from the rest of the workforce. Performing activities on the floor required various actions that contradicted my ideals and beliefs.

The slogan 'Sam stand' or stand together attitude was evident with apartheid laws, but not at the expense of low morale and productivity. While working, I found myself in need of money and unable to adapt to the conventional mindset. Despite applying for other employment, being non-white proved to be the most significant barrier. My education was not used for what I was trained for, and I eventually found the truth within myself. This is when I lowered myself to the lowest levels of my religious beliefs and moral values.

At this point in my life, I was called out at work for something I had nothing to do with. I overheard coworkers discussing a company truck being involved in an accident and losing a few thousand Rands with the shipment. The general feeling was one of joy and happiness. I foolishly joined the crowd and made numerous statements wishing the company ill, unaware that the company's payment was what put bread on my table.

With conflicting and negative thoughts, saddened by what was going on around me, I met devotees of Krishna consciousness while waiting for my wife in a shopping mall one summer day. 'Hare Krishna,' said a group of men and women, mostly whites, with their heads shaved and tail-like hairs on their bald heads, a substantial tilak on their forehead, and very religious-looking attire. They were not unfamiliar to me, and I felt at ease in their company. I was carried away by their smiles and greetings. Within a short conversation, they had persuaded me that the work they were doing was worthwhile. Feeding the hungry was a priority in the majority of our poor communities. As if under hypnosis, I took out the last few Rands I had and donated them to them. They gave me a receipt for the money they received and a copy of the Bhagavad Gita. After recalling some of the miraculous events in my life, I was once again placed in a mysterious state. Religion had turned into a childhood fantasy for me then I had evolved into a liberal thinker. Seeing my wife coming with a bag full of goods, my first words to her were 'I am sorry'.

I felt terrible, so I tried to explain to her why I threw away the last few Rands and persuade her that it was for a worthy cause, as I found myself without any extra income, I felt entrapped. I later realized that I was a giver, not a greedy taker. For several days, I had the new Bhagavad Gita on my coffee table. I had previously read the scripture. Then after a long day at work, I picked up this book and began reading a verse that was relevant to my life.

‘You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action.’  Krishna tells Arjuna in Chapter 2 verse 47. ‘ consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty.’ I must have read this verse several times before a sudden shift in attention occurred, inspiring me to work harder without expectation. The abrupt change promoted me to the next level at work; I was no longer surrounded by shift workers and common workers on the floor. I was assigned more intellectually engaging assignments. During this move, I found new employment in a major metropolis.

By gaining experience and developing work ethics, new thinking in the workplace helped me become a better person. I always arrived at work respectfully, wished the company well, and served them to the fullest extent of my ability. My boss liked me and gave me some perks that no one else had. Working for a prestigious international company I experienced the power of money. When you possess wealth, people inquire about your well-being. Yet, when you lack resources, those same individuals question your identity. This dynamic was exemplified by my involvement in projects worth millions of Rand.

Divine or unexplained events have changed my life as an adult, and it has happened again and again. 'Worship work' became my life's motto, and my most significant step forward. As time passed, I began to develop the same value system for my family, community, society, and country. The abrupt shift was due to the realization of money and its influences. I had finally prioritized my responsibilities over my finances.

The first thought came from my university business management courses. Why should a young working professional study economics? What is the relationship between technology and the economy? And how much do I contribute to the economy? As an engineer, of course, I contribute, because technological progress allows for the more efficient production of more and better goods and services. This is what prosperity is based on.

Not only was ancient India a land of philosophy and religion, but it was also a fertile ground for science and technology. Many wise sages wrote vast works of science and technology literature, and I was a student of this knowledge. Looking back in time, ancient technology was the result of advances in engineering during the growth of ancient civilizations. These technological advances in history prompted societies to adopt revolutionary modes of living and governance. Yes, South Africa was working toward that goal, and instead of focusing on the negatives, I made it my mission to be productive.

Mining, farming, and technology were the virtues that money took on to serve as a medium of exchange in South Africa. The following characteristics of reliable money are frequently mentioned: general acceptability, portability, durability, divisibility, homogeneity, recognizability, and stability. There was no doubt in my mind that South Africa had everything under control. It was going to offer me a better life than I had ever imagined.

I had to change my mindset and tolerate apartheid laws to succeed as an engineer. When selecting engineering subjects, I acknowledged the absence of job opportunities in South Africa. Thus, I made a commitment to challenge this reality with honesty, seeing it as a lasting reminder of the importance of freedom of thought and personal values I had finally concluded that I needed to identify my strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Money was the primary focus of my SWOT analysis, so I understand its importance. Money's primary function is as a medium of exchange. Based on its role in daily life, money serves as a medium through which people acquire essential goods and services. It serves both purposes as a source of comfort in daily life and a means of meeting a need. Money is the most influential factor in living a happy, healthy life, but it pales in comparison to the importance of love and care.

To summarize, money has existed in many different forms throughout history, but it has always served the same three functions: as a store of value, a unit of account, and a medium of exchange. This introduction will go over several sorts of money in the future, such as commodity money, fiat money, fiduciary money, commercial bank money, metallic money, paper money, reserve money, and many more. 

Furthermore, understand that everyone's financial structure is made up of four basic components: assets, debts, income, and expenses. You can assess your financial situation and current net worth by measuring and contrasting these. Money became my secondary goal after I realized this.

Some quotes about money

"All money is a matter of belief" - Adam Smith.

"Lack of money is the source of all evil" - George Bernard Shaw.

"Money is Freedom" - Horace Walpole.

"Money is a good servant, but a bad master" - Francis Bacon.

As a student of the  Bhagavad Gita, and according to verse 16.12 of the text, people are enslaved by endless cravings and driven by lust and fury. These people amassed wealth in unethical ways to satisfy their senses. To help me understand what money means to me in the context of my life as a Sanatan Dharma follower, I drew a line here between wealth and money.

I needed money and did not want to be a hypocrite, so I researched the Vedas and learned what I believed. The Vedas explain money as "green energy," which you receive in exchange for your energy (conducted through deliberate physical and mental effort). As a result, we use our inherent energy to serve others. Hindus pray to Lakshmi Mata, also known as Adi Shakti, The Energy of the Cosmos, or Green Energy, for wealth and success.

 

 The two teenage boys

St. Buddha traveled to share his knowledge while on his tour in the Buddhist era enlightening people about his attainment of knowledge through constructive meditation and penance.

During one encounter, he rested on the outskirts of the village and sat under a giant tree. He explained the doctrines and disciplines of his realization to the people who came to see him.

Two adolescent boys were playing their usual pranks and wanted to prove Buddha wrong with a foolproof plan, so they approached the saintly Buddha. "Do we have a living or dead bird in our hands?" They had the bird hidden in the back of their hands, which were crossed.

With his ESP knowledge, Buddha looked at them and read their minds. "My children, I know your prank; if I say it's alive, you'll kill it with a twist of your fingers on its neck, and if I say it's dead, you'll let it fly away, proving that it's alive."

The boys were taken aback by the response and wondered how the saintly man knew their innermost thoughts, but both fell to their knees and became Buddha's disciples.

At this point, the professor added that the future of our lives is in our hands; whether we succeed or fail, we must make an ethical choice that will keep us inspired and motivated. I remembered it in my prayers, and every time I made a decision, I replayed this story in my head. These encounters stimulated my intellect, enabling me to see divinity in Adi-shakti. She is worshipped as consciousness, intellect, sleep, hunger, shelter, force, thirst, patience, community, modesty, contentment, regard, luster, wealth, profession, memory, kindness, mother, joy, illusion, and the truth of existence.

 

5 Home coming to earn money

I sailed back home on a freight ship. I bid my friend farewell and departed to go back to the place I used to call home. I was financially carefree for the first time, but I spent most of my days relaxing on the terrace and observing the crashing waves. Watching the unsettling waves in the tranquil Indian Ocean form irregular white foam. The previous fourteen years had seen a passenger ship return on the same route. The eager mind was racing to the beat of the splashing waves and was full of achievements.

I was interrupted from my contemplation of the deep blue ocean by a school of dolphins. The idea was that the young dolphins would imitate the older ones in flawless synchronicity. With each precise take-off and slide into the bouncy water, it seemed as though training for perfection was reaching its peak. My attention was on the same learning process that I had seen in nature, where the younger generation was learning from the more experienced. It was a near-perfect replica of my education.

As a young guy with no plans for the future or goals, I had traveled a long way to a far-off nation that was rich in culture and history. There, the gurus taught their disciples what they knew. I felt fortunate to be in India at this time and to be returning with knowledge and a college degree. Those experiences, that knowledge, and those hearts full of love had now returned home.

In India, the largest democratic nation in the world, where indigenous ways of life were still the norm, it was a symbol of individual freedom. Many invaders plunder, destroy, and force people into slavery in Indian culture. Due to the convergence of all major world faiths in people's hearts, they continue to have the belief that there is only one real God who genuinely exists. Faith rules most things, and despite the numerous gods mentioned, Hinduism seems to me to have a relatively monotheistic viewpoint.

The experience of being in India was similar to seeing beliefs. I was reviewing my recent successes, trying to leave the past behind me, and attempting to live in the present. However, the rumbling sea shook me out of my trance. I was still staring at the bouncing, restless waves when it occurred to me that there are quiet, undisturbed layers of water in the deep seas. This is from geography courses. The future was extremely terrifying in the country I was returning to. 

The day was winding down during these thoughts, and the riot of colors once more brought the setting sun to mind. The dazzling effect the sun's rays had on the resonating waves on the infinite horizon indicated that I was traveling west toward the coast of Africa. Despite everything, I could sense that my father remained at home, so it would be wise to travel there. Emotions were further brought into focus by the stunning colors of the vast sea on the horizon. There, in all directions, were beams of optimism.

Human rights violations, job discrimination, and other laws of the apartheid era were exclusively intended to protect people with fair skin. When the labor market was dominated by job reservations, what would I do with my qualifications? The confused young mind was now dominated by having invested 14 years and a ton of money to acquire a quality degree. Will I travel to America? Although I had the option of mentioning my ego, I felt that homecoming was of paramount importance.

As I followed the East coast of Africa after leaving the huge, dead ocean, it felt as though a fellow traveler had joined me. Looking out at the water or the gulls on the horizon made time go by more quickly. My relaxed mind temporarily became unoccupied as we traveled south. The harbor with the enormous ships from my childhood memories was no longer fascinating. However, my restless thoughts kept wanting to move on so I might arrive home sooner.

The ship arrived in Durban harbor in the morning. Following a clean shave and wearing my clean clothes, I was finally able to reach the dismemberment line. I did this because I had packed most of my stuff the previous evening and I wanted to look as presentable as possible. According to the laws of my nation, whites were first while blacks and Asians were in separate lines. This bothered me not at all amid all the excitement. When all the white passengers had finished by lunchtime, it was finally our turn. I wanted to visit my family, my parents, and my future life partner but the brutal reality of apartheid was still a reality and was still accepted. I was able to see my father through glass windows while I was processing through customs. My heart sank when I noticed how wrinkled and old he appeared to be. The friendship I formed by writing her letters continued to elude my keen eye.

In the commotion of a landing and observing the laws of the land, time seemed to stand still. The internal excitement was almost over due to how quickly everything happened. The 400 km return trip from the coast served as a comparison of 14 years' worth of change. It was stressful to be caught up in both the past and the present. The best part of coming home was finally getting to meet and see my mum. For a long time to come, I treasured these moments and recollections.

 The first delight of being at home was waking up the next morning to a home-cooked breakfast. It was like hearing about the lost years as you listened to the family's highs and lows. Slowly settling in, I was able to find satisfaction in my mother's and father's love, which made my return home such a significant and joyful event for me.

 This region was likewise covered in colonial motifs. Each location has a beer hall at the entrance. Black people lived under edicts and spent the majority of their income there. The proceeds from the sale of this Bantu bear were given to local governments. During my evaluation, I visited India, where the British Raj tried and succeeded in producing contemporary slaves. No non-white person could possess the land. Non-Whites were not permitted in institutions of higher learning. Finally, my dad retired. Here at home, he was content. I respected him from the moment he began selling vegetables until he produced four of his sons who graduated from college. For me, he was a wonderful parent.

 Due to job reservations, I did not have many opportunities. My qualification only required work for people with white skin. I was called a "Coolie" repeatedly during one of the interviews until I left. Companies in Europe consistently adhered to the principle of rejecting jobs for people of color. They favored importing their own nations' talents from overseas and then developing local talent. After another six months, I got married and secured a low-paying position at an engineering firm. It was the location of my first job. The employer made a lot of promises, but nothing came to pass. As my financial situation deteriorated, I began to work any job that was available to me.

 There were times when I did not have money on me. On one of those days, I made the decision to approach the general merchants I regularly purchase from and ask for credit. Only a half-loaf of bread and a half-liter of milk were included. I was called many derogatory names by the business owner, who eventually asked me to leave after insulting me. I left feeling hurt and dejected. I discovered recyclable bottles while walking on the pavement. I could collect a deposit for these bottles, I reasoned. Therefore, I gathered as much as I could and returned to the same store to obtain deposits for the returnable bottles. He said something as I was leaving the store. These coolies believe themselves to be incredibly smart. Unexpectedly, the shop owner was from Europe. I never returned to the store.

 I didn't steal, cheat, beg, or do any of those things, yet I managed to get through those unforgettable days. I even gave abandoned items a new life. The financial situation was difficult. I kept putting forth a lot of effort to make a life. My loved ones and friends made fun of me. I refused to back down in the face of criticism. There were numerous Dutch and German engineers where I worked. One of them indicated that I might be able to get better employment elsewhere with my education.

 White folks started to value my degree for the first time at that point. After gaining artesian status for five years, I started looking for meaningful work in a big metropolis. In addition to being skilled with my hands, I also hold a university degree. The laws of the land pursued me. I just wanted to work in engineering, so when I was finally hired as an engineer by a multinational corporation, my adventure officially began. For non-whites, salaries were market-based. Whites receive far higher pay. I upheld high moral standards, put in an honest day's work, and gave it my all. I was laid off when I was forty. It was really a pretext to drive out everyone who wasn't white. All foreign nationals adopted a segregationist strategy as well. They were only motivated by money, and human rights came second. Apartheid laws mainly benefitted them. I felt as though I had wasted half of my life. I was merely attempting to make money during that period in order to provide for the necessities of my family.

 I didn't own a home, and I had no savings for unforeseen expenses. When I took stock of my situation, I recognized that I had knowledge and experience that money could not replace. My family eventually asked me to work with them in the company. Now, getting home was difficult. I am looking to put my training and knowledge to use. In engineering, I learned that there are numerous solutions to every issue. With this in mind, I started my own business, taking the biggest risk of my life. I was reminded of Leonardo da Vinci in history lessons. He was a creative problem-solver who found original solutions to issues that led to new breakthroughs and inventions.

4 Holidays

 School vacations

Unlike many other students, I did not look forward to school holidays during my first two years. My father appointed a social worker, who helped me enjoy the holidays. I overcame the situation by accepting the holiday as an adventure. He set up his Ashram to serve as an educational institution for students from surrounding villages in a town. He was an elderly man caring for the Ashram. I was supposed to stay there, but he took me to his home instead, so I spent my first vacation settling in and learning the local language.

During the school holidays, I began to travel from this town to the villages where my parents grew up. My ancestors came from a rural region of India. My grandfather was a carpenter on my father's side. On my mother's side, some potters made earthen pots. I spent a few weeks of the holidays with them. They were among the poorest of the poor. Most were tradesmen, and every penny they made was dependent on one person, but the elder's trade involved the entire family. There would be no income if they did not work. Schooling in those areas was barely up to the primary level. I happened to walk into a pre-primary school and was surprised to see how the 5 and 6-year-olds were taught how to write. They had a small stool with a flat wood surface on which they neatly spread fine river sand to form a uniform layer. They wrote the vernacular alphabets and numbers as instructed by the teacher on the sand, exposing the wooden bottom. In synchronizing sound and action, it continued. Yes, they couldn't afford paper and pens like many of us, but the desire to educate was visible. To learn whether money was an influential issue, the simple answer was no. If there was a will, there was a way.

Despite life's difficulties, I was surprised to find a high cultural standard, high moral values, and deep religious beliefs. I finally understood my grandmother's upbringing. Each followed a way of life, which I later called Dharma.

During one such vacation, as I was growing older, I was inspired to learn more about my family. Therefore, I walked around the villages, asking people about their lifestyles and observing their daily lives. The villagers were mostly self-sufficient. An ancient economic system was still in place. Money was exchanged, but only in small amounts for goods and services. Much of it was done based on barter. Skills were exchanged for grains, milk, vegetables, and other necessities. The entire community was self-sufficient. When there was an abundance of something, it was sold to other nearby villagers in exchange for money or needed goods and skills. Many villagers also exchanged their skills for money to travel to other places to work. My aunt worked in the fields, where she planted the majority of the cash crops. Cotton plantations were common in this area. Milk was wholesome, nutritious, and fresh. People were healthy and happy, and the majority of them lived in mud houses. Cultural festivals were celebrated with zeal. I discovered people who were full of love, respect, and honesty. Poverty did not bother them. It was a maturing realization for me when I realized I was becoming dissatisfied with the modern world's luxuries. I couldn't stay in the villages for more than a couple of days. I've noticed that once in a comfort zone, the mind and body become addicted.

My maternal uncles had just returned from East Africa on another holiday, and I spent a week touring the surrounding area. I was shocked to learn that during British rule, most town and village entrances had bars serving liquor. The British had clearly mastered this. The average person was taken in by an edict, and as a result, they spent the majority of their earnings on alcohol, plunging them into poverty. It was an ideal method of creating slaves. The proceeds from the sale were returned to the rulers. The British Raj was only interested in removing cotton from this region, leaving nothing but poverty behind. As foreigners continued to loot, the masses were never provided with much-needed health care and education. The prohibition of liquor came after the country's independence. Old habits die hard, and the edicts destroyed families, resulting in total poverty. It was here that the Indian history lessons paid off. In a few hundred years, numerous invaders reduced the land of milk and honey to slavery and poverty. “Why?” Just for the sake of wealth that could be converted into money in a distant land. To facilitate the popularity of barter trading, the colonial rule created money as a medium of exchange since barter was not transferable or divisible. This was done to persuade the people that it would bring them peace and prosperity. Unfortunately, it was all a trick of the light. By looting a wealthy country, such as India, an individual loses their well-being.

My maternal uncle was a skilled carpenter who earned his living in East Africa with the family. His children settled there before moving to England. He counseled me on social values and warned me about the dangers of alcohol addiction, advising me to avoid it.

I was confused and filled with mixed emotions after seeing the poorest of the poor and the ultra-rich. After observing people, their attitudes, and their lifestyles, I came to the following conclusion: "Education will raise one's standard of living." I was separated from my immediate family and abandoned in the harsh world. Like many other teenagers, I had neglected my work on occasion and had become a loner and a rebel. This was the reason for the lack of parental or guardian guidance.

My vacations became the foundation for my future path. On one of the agitated days of a boring school holiday, I resolved to become a focused and inspired learner. I would like to alter my past and present to create a better future for myself. I started paying more attention to my schoolwork. I gradually developed a study method that allowed me to read, write, and comprehend effectively. I only needed money and dedicated work to achieve my ultimate goal.

My school holidays were a time of self-realization for me as I approached the maturity age of 16 to 18 years. History lessons were revived and some significant facts were established. When the British left, the British Raj's goals of poor education, destruction of all ancient knowledge, and looting of wealth were realized. The British helped the Moguls create India's slums. The most tragic fact is that the Mogul rulers used the sword to destroy ancient temples and loot gold from their safes. This was done in the name of religion rather than money. As an Indian history student, I was surprised to learn that in its 8000-year history, India has never attacked or captured another country or nation. The greatest genocide was committed against Indians, not Jews, as history claims. The British wrote India's history books in their favor to demonstrate superiority and to humiliate and enslave Indians. This was because they recognized that Indians were very skilled, intelligent, hardworking, and faithful. This is where I realized the true potential of my genetic makeup and the knowledge that was passed down to me.

The British rewrote history to claim that the Aryans brought knowledge of the Vedas and Indian cultures, but later intellectuals on Indian wisdom proved it to be a myth. In its most common form, the Aryan myth is about a group of people calling themselves 'Aryans' who invaded India before the Christian era. They settled in the Indus Valley. The western world joined in spreading the Aryan myth and began to mock the Hindus, who were joined by converted Muslims from the Mughal era. The Congress government worked with the Muslims, and with British assistance, independent India faced many challenges in becoming a superpower like it was in ancient times. This inspired me to learn about the rich Sanatan Vedic Dharma scriptures, and my intuitive mind focused on the true Hindu systems, rituals, and culture.

College vacations

During college vacations, I began to build a framework for my future by focusing on studies, identifying pleasure and pain, and researching my family's Sanatan Dharma fellowship. During my first holiday at college, I met with South African students who had arrived after matriculation. Junior was the first to introduce me to spending quality time during the holidays. We spent many hours discussing apartheid, the ANC, and the political climate in South Africa. Choosing a career based on job reservations was the first topic of discussion. Engineering had no future for non-whites in South Africa because all such jobs were reserved for Europeans only. Here, I made the decision to pursue engineering studies and fight job reservations to find my rightful place. College vacations were always followed by a search for a place to stay and chaotic college admissions.

Vacations in tertiary education

Every university vacation was an adventure. I stopped making trips to the villages and found other ways to spend my vacation. Poverty all around me was a constant reminder of human suffering. During one of my vacations, I participated in a social service camp that visited India's poorest communities. There had been a severe drought, and many social service organizations had traveled to these areas to assist. We arrived in a remote area of central India after a long train journey. We were greeted by a group of religious organizations and devotees. I volunteered to assist a mechanic in repairing a bulldozer. Everyone involved had a positive experience. Some were digging a well, while others were doctors assisting with health care. Money had no meaning for the poor community. They required food, medical attention, and a safe place to live.

They remained in the jungles of central India, relying on Mother Nature. Their lives were jeopardized when the rains failed for a couple of years. During our visit, we stayed in a mud and stick hut. There was nothing but the odor of burned wood. A couple of grave-like holes had been dug in the soil. Just then, a completely naked man with only his private parts closed came in, greeting us with his hands folded. The devotee who led us there proceeded to explain how the grave holes were used. Summers are warm and pleasant. Winters are typically bitterly cold. These individuals filled the holes with dry leaves and grass. On a cold winter night, they would light a fire in the center hole, enter the grave, and cover themselves with leaves and grass. This would keep them warm until the sun came out. My heart sank with sadness as I remembered all the comforts I had.

On our next trip, we headed to a small village in need of a water well. A group of volunteers was looking for a suitable location to begin work. The villagers were all hiding in various locations, and the majority of them, including women and children, were naked. A woman screamed as we passed beneath a hut. When questioned, she stated that her husband had recently died. She had just fulfilled his last wish for a cup of tea. I was speechless when I found out she used her breast milk to make a cup of tea. "Humanity shame," I exclaimed. There is no amount of money in the world that could fulfill this dead man's wish. Only love, in the end, fulfilled the dying wish.

There were also numerous religious organizations engaged in charitable work. Money and various religions play a large but critical role in relief efforts. This is what I discovered in one of the villages we visited. On one side, there was a picture of Jesus Christ. The other was a popular Indian idol. The mercenaries inquired about the villagers' gods. Initially, it was always the Indian one. They were instructed to make offerings to their respective deities and request food. They knew they were going to die, so they knelt and prayed. Nothing noteworthy occurred. Then they were told to go to the cross and ask Jesus for food. A packet of rice and milk powder fell from the tree above, along with a few capers. As soon as they saw it, they grabbed it and ran for the hills. When I saw this, I said to myself, "Hunger has no religion."

The experience of witnessing such a frustrating event disturbed my first impression. Then an enticing thought took me back to India's past when the British Raj drained the country of its wealth. Some of the wealth was actually returned to its original location by Christian missionaries. This viewpoint did not express gratitude for the work that these people were doing. Although money cannot buy or compensate for evil deeds, religious guilt makes religion more humane. The point is, this is what I've realized.

Despite financial constraints and hostel rules, I was allowed to stay in the hostel for vacations with some allowances. This was the most memorable vacation I've ever had. The Bhagavad Gita was to be read with my understanding of the scripture based on my father's recommendation in his most recent letter.

So I ventured to the library and got a few Bhagavad Gitas from various authors with English translations. First, I established a ritual and adhered to strict discipline in food, sleep, and meditation. Next, I read various commentaries on my way of life and realized that loneliness was the only way to assess my personal values and the path forward. That holiday was the most rewarding for me because I became focused. With positive inspiration, I was once again at the forefront of achieving my goal of getting very high grades in all semesters.

The last holiday was spent in the hostel, where previous years' experience allowed me to skim through most of the Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and Purans. I also seized the chance and utilized the vacation to get ready for the final two semesters. With my engineering knowledge at the time, I began the initial concept of writing a book on the theory of creation.

I came to understand that the holidays were a busy time for knowledge seekers to hunt for information for the hungry and inquisitive mind. The holidays afterward were planned to activate my intelligence to get focused for the period following the break and it started to work wonders.

Holidays are a great opportunity to learn new things. The topic was history, the information came from libraries, and being alone in nature sparked the inquisitive mind. This caused me to become conscious of my surroundings.

3-Money matures, thoughts

College life is often unpredictable, and enrolling in science was a challenge. Teaching methods, basic human behavior discipline, and subjects that I chose to study became short-lived. It would be a pleasure to be with the Joneses. I was also drawn to the glamour of college life. Every day in class was a fashion show. Boys and girls dressed to the nines, some in designer clothes and others in branded ones. Money spoke volumes about everyone's fashion sense. I could see myself being left behind and could not take it anymore. First, I jumped into the crowd but was rejected. The girls also drew me in, and it was an exciting first-time experience for me. I had just graduated from an all-boys school, so I was still learning how to act around girls. It looks like party season all of a sudden. Books were expensive, tuition was steep, and the food bill was difficult to manage. With so many more constraints on me, it became easier to neglect my work. To be an achiever, one must set aside worldly illusions and focus on a goal. A nagging thought made me realize this, and I began to withdraw from so-called pleasures and focus on the final exams.

The transition from boarding school to college hostel was startling. Personal discipline was not monitored in the same way that it was in school. Instead, I was the master of my actions and duties. Family values were all forgotten, and I began to live a carefree life. Bunking college lectures, sitting in the canteen admiring girls, and making new friends from a diverse range of cultures and habits. No more physical activity, no sports, haphazard eating habits, and a confused mind that allowed me to gain weight, making me lazy and lethargic.

Sexual fantasies became my pastime, and I stopped reading high-quality literature. However, with the encouragement of one of the senior South African students who came after their matric and who knew my family history and father, I was made aware of my slacking in my studies and neglect of the body.

Junior, as I called him, forced me to join the college basketball team and encouraged me to begin painting. Later, he became my mentor, advising me on my career path. I won first place in the college exhibition with a painting I submitted. I remember him and other South Africans carrying me to the stage, singing, and dancing, to accept the award.

I noticed that boys and girls from wealthy families were more focused. They benefited from the comforts of both lives. Having enough money to pay for a proper education made them intellectuals, and living comfortably provided them with a conducive environment in which to progress. This didn't bother me at all. My intention was to obtain a high-quality education, which was inspired by the society from which I came. Junior took me for vocational guidance during the holidays, and my career path was set, and I began to focus on engineering subjects.

I managed to stay above average and was accepted into one of Bombay's top engineering schools. I received a scholarship to complete my engineering studies. Money turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Money was finally recognized as a medium of exchange for me. I began to value the adage "Money is what money does." Money had left a perplexing impression on my mind by this point. At one point, I despised money but developed a strong desire and respect for it because it could provide for my needs.

It must be noted that there was a miracle or a magical spell that took over my life. My respect for that divinity developed into faith, and the word god became obsolete. So, with meditative thought, I wrote that God does not exist. However, a devotee with activated intelligence and stimulated consciousness gives birth to a god, and the existence of a god can be finite for that devotee. Because the word God is fraught with delusions and mysticism, I have rewritten it as; 'Divinity does not exist, but a devotee with activated intelligence and stimulated consciousness births Divinity, and Divinity's existence becomes real for that devotee.'

This was my first attraction to Sanatan Dharma and its teachings. Now I had more faith in my mantra chanting and wanted to be a devotee of this experience. This was what I called prayer, and I later explained it as follows: the goal of the prayer ritual is to stimulate the intellect so that consciousness is activated. This eliminates all dualities from information and facts, and singularity defines the necessary non-contradictory reasoning. When truth stimulates the intellect to accept consciousness as the supreme, consciousness is that truth that defines reality. In layman's terms, one would feel the creator's resonating vibrations, which would create, sustain, and destroy the entities around them. This is humanity's ultimate realization.

My engineering studies began slowly. Hostel life became ingrained in me. I was quick to adjust to changing situations. The majority of university professors were professionals with multiple degrees. Many had doctorates and were intellectuals in scientific fields. I looked up at them and began to learn the fundamentals. The bursary money came in every month and paid for my tuition, food, and books. My father's small sum of money provided for my clothing and a few luxuries. It was, in fact, the reality of fairy tale stories.

Individual viewpoints on religion, race, skin color, food, and, of course, girls with sex were the main highlights of hostel life. We didn't have much time off from school, but playing cards, having a booze party, and watching movies provided a welcome break from our hectic schedule. As engineering students, we were involved in arguments and discussions, which was a helpful foundation for intellectual thinking. The various groups of boys from various cultural and religious backgrounds had a significant impact on many of the dogmatic thinkers. We had boys from many other countries, and with nowhere to go during the holidays, we spent time in hostels with our hobbies or the famous pass time-consuming alcohol and drugs 

Many were very intelligent, but many were physically lazy, and some were drug addicts. I noticed that because they had a strict disciplinary life at home, freedom of choice in the hostels, and an opportunity to experience the other side of life, some took advantage of their newfound freedom by neglecting their studies. The mama's boys were always on top.

I remember getting into an argument at one of the booze parties that changed my perspective on religion. It started with a small story and unfolded as follows.

A boat with three men.

The sea became rough while three men were sailing in a small boat. Among those was a Christian who asked the Lord Jesus for assistance. The Lord Jesus appeared and took him away. The other was a Muslim who prayed to Allah for help. So Allah appeared and took him away. When the Hindus saw the two, they began to pray to Bhagwan.

So the narrator continued, saying that the Christians and Muslims were helped, while the poor Hindu drowned, leaving his body afloat. He continued, laughing, that when the Hindu prayed to his Bhagawan, there was confusion in the havens as to who should ascend, Hanuman, Ram, Krishna, or Shiva. Because no one intervened, the Hindu was left helpless and drowned. The narrator stated that Hindus worship many gods and are a befuddled bunch of idiots. Most of these friends came from convent schools where they were taught to mock Hindus.

This statement infuriated all Hindus, resulting in a lengthy debate that lasted several days. It was the holidays, so I spent a lot of time in the library researching the origins of all religions. Surprisingly, Christians had three gods: the father, son, and Holy Spirit. So, who was the real author? In India, Muslims had many graves, and many Muslims prayed to the dead. The material body will remain on earth no matter how great one becomes. Throughout India's history, there is one truth and a multitude of stories that suit the invaders who made India their home. In India, all Christians and Muslims have been converted, and they are constantly instigated against other religions for fear that they will revert. These were some of the outward manifestations of hatred I witnessed among people. In my quest to find one theory to fit all arguments, I laid the groundwork for establishing one theory for all creations in this universe. This was the time when I spent a lot of time researching a book.

The story of the three men in the boat eventually became my investigation case. What exactly is death, and how is a soul related to a living being? Who is God, and what is the meaning of life on Earth? Would divine intervention change the course of death? Was it mysticism or a clever act of disappearance that took the two away? When death was the final end, did the body have any meaning, or should the soul that left and betrayed the body to become lifeless be worshipped?

In a decisive argument, I explained the three planes on which life existed: the mortal, immortal, and divine planes. In the absence of matter, there was a life form that relied on energy and intelligence, and in the absence of energy, there was only intelligence or universal consciousness.

In turn, the two who vanished from the scene were fabricated because there is no way a material body can travel to higher planes. It is a fact that the body was discovered floating in the waters because the soul had left the body and likely been carried away to his chosen destination. In my closing argument, I argued that Hinduism is the only realized logical way of life in which different gods or entities take care of creation, sustenance, and dissolution. To maintain the whole universe, these three activities must take place every moment of the universe's existence. The concept of a creator was finally accepted as my research topic.

Here I realized that I was not following any religion but Dharma. Dharma is one's personal path in life to truth or righteousness, the fulfillment of which leads to consciousness awakening. Religion, on the other hand, is a social society filled with love, hatred, and fear. Everyone in this society follows a code of loving their own congregation, hating others, and frightening those who do not.

So I wasn't practicing any religion other than Dharma. It was when activated intelligence stimulated my consciousness that I realized I didn't need a leader or a religion. "A conscious person has an independent ability to think with logic and reason; it allows the brain to use its installed memories with feedback that eliminates duality to find that one "truth." Because the energy has been activated by the stimulated consciousness, it works as desired, and my choice of the many arts of Sanatan Dharma has made me wiser as they have become my Dharma. This realization required me to awaken the knowledge gatherer in me and to begin hunting for unknown knowledge all around me.

 College life is often unpredictable, and enrolling in science was a challenge. I was taken aback by the teaching methods, basic discipline in human behavior, and subjects. The virtuous school habits were short-lived. I had to change to keep up with the Joneses. I was also drawn to the glamour of college life. In class, every day was a fashion show. Boys and girls were dolled up, some in designer clothes and others in branded ones. Money was written all over everyone's faces. I could see myself falling behind and couldn't take it any longer.

First, I jumped into the crowd but was rejected. The girls also drew me in, and it was an exciting new experience for me. I had just graduated from an all-boys school, so I was still learning how to interact with girls. All year long, it was party time. Books were expensive, tuition fees were high, and the food bill was difficult to manage. With so many more constraints on me, it was easy to neglect my work. To be an achiever, one must set aside worldly illusions and focus on a goal. A nagging thought made me realize this, and I began to withdraw from so-called pleasures and focus on the final exams.

The transition from boarding school to college hostel was startling. There was no personal discipline imposed like in school. Instead, I was the master of my actions and duties. Family values were all forgotten, and I began to live a carefree life. Bunking college lectures, sitting in the canteen admiring girls, making new friends from diverse cultures and habits. No more physical activity, no sports, haphazard eating habits, and a confused mind that allowed me to gain weight, making me lazy and lethargic.

Sexual fantasies became my pastime, and I stopped reading scholarly literature. However, with the encouragement of one of the senior South African students who came after their matric and who knew my family history and father, I was made aware of my slackening in my studies and neglect of the body.

Junior, as I called him, forced me to join the college basketball team and encouraged me to begin painting. Later, he became my mentor, advising me on my career path. I won first place in the college exhibition with a painting I submitted. I remember him and other South Africans carrying me to the stage, singing, and dancing, to accept the award.

I noticed that boys and girls from wealthy families were more focused. They reaped the comforts of both lives. Having enough money to pay for a high-quality education made them intellectuals, and living comfortably provided them with a conducive environment in which to progress. This didn't bother me at all. My goal was to get a superior education. Junior took me for vocational guidance during the holidays, and my career path was set, and I began to focus on engineering subjects.

I managed to stay above average and was accepted into one of Bombay's top engineering schools. I received a scholarship to complete my engineering studies. The money came as a surprise. I finally recognized money as a medium of exchange. I began to value the adage "Money is what money does." Money had left a perplexing impression on my mind by this point. At one point, I despised money but developed a strong desire and respect for it.

I must mention that a miracle or a magical spell took over my life, and my respect for that divinity created faith, and the word god became meaningless. So, with meditative thought, I wrote that God does not exist. However, a devotee with activated intelligence and stimulated consciousness gives birth to a god, and the existence of a god is finite for that devotee. Because the word God is filled with delusions and mysticism, I have rewritten this as: 'Divinity does not exist, but a devotee with activated intelligence and stimulated consciousness gives birth to Divinity, and the existence of Divinity becomes finite for that devotee.'

This was my initial interest in Sanatan Dharma and its teachings. Now I had more faith in my mantra chanting and was ready to devote myself to this experience.

My engineering studies began slowly. Hostel life ingrained itself in me. I was quick to adjust to changing situations. The majority of university professors were professionals with multiple degrees. Many of them held doctorates or were intellectuals in scientific fields. I looked up at them and began to learn the fundamentals. The bursary paid for my tuition, food bills, and books every month. My father's small sum of money provided for my clothing and a few luxuries.

Individual opinions on religion, race, skin color, food, and, of course, girls were the main highlights of hostel life. We didn't get much time off from school, but playing cards, having a booze party, and a trip to the movies provided a welcome break from our hectic schedule. As engineering students, we were involved in arguments and discussions that served as a solid foundation for intellectual thinking. The various groups of boys from various cultural and religious beliefs had a significant impact on many of the dogmatic thinkers. We had boys from many other countries. With nowhere to go during the holidays, we spent time in hostels with our hobbies or the famous pastime of drinking alcohol and having a good time.

After nine years of growing up in hostels, I asked my father for a plane ticket so that I could see my family. I was able to see all of them after much explanation. At home, not much has changed. My father was still employed by the same greengrocer. I received the results of my engineering exams and discovered that I had failed. This was the first time I had to deal with failure. I found many valid reasons and worked out an amicable solution, one of which was home sickness. The glamour of the good life also bothered me, and in my pursuit of fame and fortune, I lost sight of the need to prioritize my studies. I was astounded and deeply saddened by my own attitude toward life. "Time does not allow you to own anything, but it does allow you to leave moments and memories behind that are passed down as wisdom," the realization hit me. Money has lost my respect once more.

I noticed that I was drawn to numerology, and after connecting the dots, I realized that the number 9 was associated with me. I was born on March 18, and my room number was 144. Having spent 9 years in India, many other 9's fascinated me, so I took the 9 coincidences on as my lucky associates. The rosary with 108 beads was my ultimate lucky charm, which was mysteriously given to me by a stranger, believe it or not.

Back at home, I was unable to adjust to the loss of time with my family. I discovered that everyone was stuck in a social rut, with fighting in between, laziness, and a waste of money. Nobody seemed to know where I came from. During the holiday season at home, I could no longer bear witness to my parents' anguish. I resolved to return and make a difference in their lives. I knew I needed to educate myself to earn a comfortable living. It was the only way to isolate poverty, and as Epictetus said, "Only the educated are free." I said goodbye to my grandmother, never to see her again, but her blessing lasted and brought me success in the face of adversity. This visit provided a comprehensive understanding of how Europeans invaded Africa, made and took African slaves, and subjected the rest of the non-Europeans, including my family, to slavery due to a lack of formal education. The British brought in Indians to work on sugar cane plantations in South Africa as sugar became a cash crop and money took precedence over human dignity. Shame on European rulers and plunderers!

Back to my studies, but time passed quickly in the real world. I took breaks from my studies by getting involved with girls, also known as the opposite of sex, night clubs, and the pleasures of youth. I realized at this point that I needed someone to love me, care for me, and share my joys and sorrows with. Sex, mating, fantasizing, and one-on-one affection were all animal instincts that I couldn't deny. My holiday adventure served as a foundation for my future, detailed in the following chapter.

Money is so powerful that it can buy love, a relationship, or a sexual favor. Human desires and needs are so compelling that one is willing to exchange such a wonderful relationship for money. Money is the only thing that can make someone happy. All modern gadgets and luxuries can be purchased with it. The temptation was too overwhelming, but money and beauty did not appeal to me. Some heinous incidents warned me of the dangers of losing money in money-making sex scams. One of them is this.

A birthday celebration

Many of my wealthy friends celebrated their birthdays with parties and gatherings of close friends. I was invited to one such party over a long weekend, which took place at a venue known as Aunty Joints.

I was dressed up as usual and arrived ahead of the others. The hostess was a woman with a few pretty girls in a large reception room. The party began with a few birthday formalities and the exchange of gifts, followed by drinks served by sexy-looking girls who were creating the party mood. My friends chose whisky and a local spirit called 'Feni,' a traditional liquor distilled from the fermented juice of cashew apples, while I was served a local cold beer. It is safe to drink because it contains no organic or artificial flavors. The name "feni" comes from the Sanskrit word phena, which means "froth."

I only recall dancing to rock music after the second bear and waking up the next morning sleeping under the carpet. As I walked through the passage, I heard the woman yelling at the rest of my friends to get up and leave. I was terrified, terrified, and perplexed because I had lost track of time. When I saw the door open and heard the women's screams, I rushed out and onto the road to return to the hostel.

On my way to the train station, I noticed that my money purse and watch were both missing. I jumped on the train to my train station, not realizing I had been robbed. I knew how to avoid the ticket checker because it was not the first time I had traveled without a valid ticket.

I returned to the hostel, took a bath, and then began my investigation into what had happened the night before. It was a simple conclusion: our drinks were spiked and we were robbed.

Nobody ever talked about that night out, and I never made it to a party like that again because I lost my entire month's spending money. Seeing a common medicine like Mandrax used as a drug was a positive realization. Mandrax is a small tablet that varies in color and is highly addictive. Mandrax has a sedative effect on the central nervous system. People in India use opium for a variety of reasons, and I witnessed it being used freely under strict supervision by users. For over a millennium, the Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbi medical systems have used opium and cannabis as therapeutic agents. This science was unknown to the West.

The Opium Trade's Economic History

An enlightening history lesson on how and why humans used intoxicating drinks and drugs was learned. India is a land of herbal medicine, and thousands of years ago, extensive research was conducted to medicate the biological body. It was Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words Ayur (life) and Veda (science or knowledge). Thus, Ayurveda translates to "knowledge of life," and it contains a list of powerful Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices with Health Benefits. In India, opium was freely used for medication and relaxing the tired body of physical workers, as well as by spiritualists to calm the mind, body, and soul.

Knowing the effects of addiction and the opportunity to make money, the fact that opium, which was freely grown in India, was regarded as a cash crop. The British East India Company established a monopoly on opium cultivation in the Indian province of Bengal, where they developed a method of cheaply and abundantly growing opium poppies. Other Western countries, including the United States, participated in the trade, which dealt with both Turkish and Indian opium. Who was it that the British gave opium to? Of course, China. Foreign traders (primarily British) had been illegally exporting opium, primarily from India, to China since the 18th century, but the trade grew dramatically after 1820. The resulting widespread addiction in China caused severe social and economic problems. Opium revenue was a significant source of profit for the British in India, accounting for a sizable portion of both total British revenues from India and total Indian exports. It was a brilliant plan devised by the British to enslave slaves through addiction so they could plunder their wealth. The Europeans knew nothing about gold, diamonds, agriculture, and other topics before they arrived on the Asian continent. Because the Asians had a culture and wealth that dated back thousands of years, the Europeans used every strategy possible to weaken the Asians. This was so that they could loot and rule. One of the many tactics was known as the "Opium War" because of one of its major causes: the British smuggled opium into Chinese ports against the Chinese government's wishes. The British were finally known for their cunning, greed, and manipulation to divide and rule other cultures for financial gain. This was a lesson learned in making quick money by addicting people to drugs and alcohol.

The majority of the Aunty-Joints were run by converted Christians where drugs and liquor were freely available. There were many social and disturbing night outs at which drugs and alcohol were abused, and prostitution was promoted. I was looking for a partner in such an environment. I wouldn't deny that I had some gold-diggers, but after being disappointed, I began to look for someone who could read me, love me, care for me, and share my joy and sadness. When I returned home, I agreed to an arranged marriage. My parents found me a partner to marry after I finished my studies, and I eventually agreed.

When I was in India, I got engaged to my mentor's cousin's sister, Junior, who guided and inspired me to pursue my dream of becoming an engineer. He became a medical doctor, and I was convinced that having a mentor was essential when you couldn't rely on your parents for guidance.

Our relationship grew stronger as a result of those love letters. Finally, I found my true love. She also comes from a low-income family. Her father died when she was a child. I could tell she wasn't as well educated as the other girls I met. She was not attractive by the standards we discussed in the hostel and was a high school dropout. "Who was she?" became a question for me to investigate. Daydreaming has always been a free and enjoyable experience. When I received her letters, I read them several times in daylight, forming ideas about how we would live together. I used to scan them before retiring to bed and having sweet fantasies with her in my imaginary world.

As my studies came to an end, I observed my mother, grandmother, sister, girlfriends, and every woman in her. She was the only woman I recognized. Growing up, I only saw women as sexual objects. Fantasizing about a favorite image was common, and as I grew older, I discovered that hostel life was my adventure, where no woman could escape her fantasies.

The final year of engineering was extremely demanding. My tasks were completed, and my exams were completed. I was anticipating that day, one of my friends came running in, banging on my room door. It was the conclusion to which we had all been looking forward. "We've done it." "We got by," he said. I was looking for my name on the notice board in a hurry. My gaze was fixed on my name, which I read over and over. I couldn't believe what I had seen. With tears in my eyes and weakened by the emotional outburst, I collapsed on the floor, trying to contain my emotions. Thank you, divine being, with both of my hands. My cheeks were swollen with tears that streamed down my cheeks. This was the happiest day of my life, as well as my greatest accomplishment. Many times I have mentioned this thought to identify a person who may have had a similar experience. However, it is difficult to locate a person with the same experience. To the readers, may I say that no one will appreciate such an experience unless they have had it?

2 Growing up with the money

The boarding school was a public school that followed British school discipline but had a Hindu theme. The British Raj influenced the lifestyles of the wealthy and famous, and education in its colonies was designed to produce bureaucrats. The poor were ignored, and seeing poverty on Bombay's streets was not an encouraging place to live. I was only 12 years old when I became aware of the inequity in wealth distribution. The rich were extremely wealthy, while the poor were extremely impoverished. It's a country where faith in God is unfathomable. I was a God-fearing teenager at the time, and I asked myself a question. "If God is equal, why is one born on a thorny bed, while the other is born on a rosy bed?" My childhood image of God was real and compelling; this divine force was able to create, preserve, and destroy using a magical force that no one could achieve. My understanding was that God was also in charge of keeping account of all transgressions and administering just punishment. He could see and monitor everything at the same time.

My father always referred to ancient India's educational system as the Gurukul system. The Gurukul educational system is the pinnacle of Indian learning. A Gurukul is essentially a school where students live alongside their mentors and receive education, moral values, and life skills from them. This method of learning has been used in India since ancient times. With a false Aryan theory that could enslave the Indians, the British eradicated this system. This boarding school had a touch of the Gurukul system of education, so some of my father's goals were met.

I planned my strategy on my first day at school when I was very young. To begin, you must learn to read, write, and comprehend. I appreciated my father's instruction that reading and writing are taught in school, and it was my confidence that gave me a fresh start in school in India. It was an exciting first year because I met new friends, and boarding school was a big change in my life to keep me motivated. It was difficult to adjust to a totally different life in a foreign country. However, when one is young, one is more adaptable to change because one does not carry likes and dislikes. I was finding my footing and writing my final exams for the year while improving my study techniques.

Learning methods differed, with a strong emphasis on memory. It was only later that I realized that memorizing was an ancient Hindu practice. I was a logical thinker who was unfamiliar with this practice. The top students included many scholars who memorized the scriptures. This was known as the "Sanskrit Effect." Dr. James Hartzell, a neuroscientist, observed in The Scientific American magazine that remembering Vedic mantras increased the size of the brain's region associated with cognitive function. The researchers concluded that those who were trained earlier would have enhanced memory, decision-making, sensory perception, and other abilities. That explained why memorizing was used as a learning aid in Indian schools.

It was the summer holidays, and a distant relative picked me up to take me to a small village on India's west coast. The hot summers were an environmental learning experience as we adapted to the climate. I was nervously awaiting exam results at the time. The mail was delivered by the local postman. All of the students from the same school had received their results and were joyfully smiling and celebrating their success. I never received my results.

The thrill gradually turned into torture. When I asked for my results, a villager said, "It is customary that if you do not receive your results, you must have failed." Because the word failed was now threatening my very existence as a learner, I had no choice but to accept failure.

With a lump in my throat, tears in my eyes, and trembling limbs, I began to walk away. My once-excited legs now barely wanted to move. "Oh God, what has befallen me? I'm worthless, and all my faith has turned into an illusion," I thought to myself. Faith had lost its confidence, and my hope and assurance had turned into a nightmare.

With no parents to console me and being abandoned in the harsh world, my growing mind and body were tortured by sadness. There was no one to console me. I missed my mother terribly at the time, and no one could ever replace her. It was here that I realized how a mother's love heals her children. I was still aimlessly walking when I remembered my childhood prayers to the so-called god. I was raised with Sanatan Vedic Hindu Dharma values. My illiterate mother always encouraged me to light a Diya (lamp) in the mornings and evenings. I always looked at a few images of Hindu deities and the Diya burning on the prayer altar and I was given a series of prayers to recite.

As my mind was stimulated by the real world just then, a magical force took me to a small temple that had been built by my mother. The image and the teachings of my mother stayed in my mind. I bowed down on the floor and said to the stone deities, "I had promised to work hard, and so I did." You did not assist me; my only hope was in you." I was back on the road to nowhere, tears streaming down my rosy round red cheeks. Yes! I, too, was losing faith in the divine force. Later, I realized that it was my mother's love that had saved me from this ordeal.

Just then, a passing saintly man dressed in religious garb stopped me and said, "Son, don't look so worried." Purchase a rosary with 108 beads and chant this sacred mantra every day before retiring to bed. "All of your problems will be resolved." I was taken aback by the stranger offering me advice. My mind was blown apart by a mystic thought. Who was this holy man? Still, with a lump in my throat and tears in my big black eyes, I stepped out and bought the Rosary. My actions had become robotic as if I had been possessed. As I recall it today, this was my mother's divine force.

As night fell, sleep was disturbed due to the summer heat. The bed had bedbugs, and the summer mosquitoes were having a good time with me. I reflected on my entire life and realized that the only way out was now closed. I was supposed to find a window or see if the door was locked so that I could pass through it the righteous way. I fell asleep while consoling myself by chanting the mantra with the help of a rosary. With the rising sun, I decided to try again at school. The remaining holidays were spent slowly, reading and writing, but the joy of childhood had faded, and I saw no future to make my dreams come true.

Following the holidays and a full day of traveling, I arrived at a Bombay boarding school. Failure began to haunt me now. All thoughts of joy, happiness, and excitement had vanished from my ecstatic mind. The mind was empty, and it desired to undo the past to create a better future. Now I realize that failure was merely an illusion.

It was registration day, and many parents and guardians had gathered at the school's gates. I was also there, trying to avoid my former classmates. I then heard one of my best friends say, "We'll be together again this coming year." My father informed me that I had been promoted to the next class." I was initially doubtful because failure does not allow the brain to prepare for success. What happens next?

Crazy thoughts ran wild in my mind. "There must be some mistake," I thought. Slowly, the confused mind of my devastated body began to make sense. Suddenly, I focused all of my efforts on my speech and asked my friend, "How does your father know that I am also promoted to the next class?" The friend quickly responded, "Go register and see for yourself," and ran with excitement to his mother. My peaceful memories remind me that the most effective healer for her children is their mother.

Many doubts remained, but when I registered for the school year, I knew for certain that I would be in the next class. My roll number had changed, and the previous year's memorandum was missing from this revised file. I was just beginning to accept reality and facts when another negative thought began to wreak havoc in my mind. What if it's all a big mistake, and when they find out, I'll be in the former class? So I told myself to shut up and forget what had happened.

Unknowingly, I had already created faith by chanting the given mantra. On that fateful night, something told me that my prayer had been answered and that the divine entity had indeed assisted me. The most recent transformation started to take shape, and my advancement was a fulfilling experience that gave me the most delight I will ever know. These moments and memories are treasured alongside all of my accomplishments. I still regard this childhood reality as a gift from a mighty unknown force that has no explanation in the real world.

The years that followed began to fly by. I progressed from being a mediocre student to a bright young teenager. My first display of strength was competing with clever students. Most students hired tutors to improve their grades at an additional cost; however, I accepted the fighter's attitude and did it myself without the assistance of others; I made the change in my studies with my own effort, and I could not afford the extra tuition fees. The thought "I can do it" seemed promising at the time. Yes, I corrected myself numerous times and discovered methods to remember things and reason with logic and common sense. Later, I realized that the school's teachers wanted to make more money and that charging tuition was an easy way out. Yes, ‘money, money, money' served as a trading goal.

This was my third lesson, and it taught me how to earn or make money. One could sell their skill, trade, knowledge, or help in the form of labor in exchange for money, the only versatile medium of exchange. It reminded me that my father, grandmother, and now the teachers worked in a field that accepted money as a medium of exchange known as employees.

The boarding school was divided into different houses, which gave me a sense of belonging. They also became my family and friends with whom I shared many happy and sad moments. With my excellent academic progress, I was also a prefect and captain of the house, which served as basic training in time management and duties. Yes, I recognized that I possessed the abilities and personality to lead others.

The Sanskrit scholar who was our house master always provided us with insightful advice, leading our house to annual competitions. During one of the most critical cricket matches, he asked me, "Are you playing to win, or are you playing not to lose?" Confusing but intellectually stimulating, and has won the match, I discussed this statement at length with him, and in this intellectual discussion, thought was given to me about this story.

Possess a rational mind.

In a remote village near the mighty Ganga, a group of people inspired by democratic principles began to evolve in the essence of free thought. One generation of youths was radicalized and did not want to be influenced by the old, so they started their own lives, performing random rituals.

Arranged marriages were no longer acceptable, and it was decided that only the youth would participate, leaving the older generation out of the decision-making process. The big day had arrived for the first wedding of the season, and the youth had gathered the bullock carts and were about to leave. The bridegroom's younger brother was approached by a very elderly man in the village. The man was a member of the Panchayat and asked if he could accompany him to the nearby village with the wedding party. The old man belonged to the Panchayat, the village justice court, and it was difficult to say no to him. He attended because of the delicious meals served at that wedding village. The brother was persuaded and hid the old man in the bullock cart, leaving him with fun and joy.

When the groom's wedding procession arrived, the bride's grandfather noticed that there were no elderly people among them. He was disturbed and wanted to put them to the test on the old wisdom of marriage success. He summoned the groom's representative, as there were no elderly, and informed him that it was their village's custom to fulfill a specific condition before accepting the bride. The representative of the groom accepted the offer and inquired about the conditions of the wedding. The grandfather explained that it was very simple. He said that before he took the bride from the village, they should fill the smallest water well in the village with ghee or purified butter. It was because the groom's village was abundant in cattle and should have plenty of butter.

Hearing this, the groom began to run around, asking his young friends how they would do it. He also insisted that he cannot postpone the wedding because he is in love. The bridegroom's brother dashed to the bullock cart, knowing that the old man with wisdom was hidden in it. When the wise old man heard the condition, he told the brother that it was a simple condition to meet, suggesting a counter condition without panicking and telling him to be confident in telling them to remove all the water from the well and that their supply of gee would have left their village by then.

When the bridegroom informed the bride's grandfather that the gee was leaving his village and that the water from the well needed to be removed immediately. The bride's grandfather was convinced that youth possessed wisdom. Because no one can remove all of the water from the well, the condition is null and void. He was convinced that they had elderly companionship, so he ordered the wedding to proceed.

The youths celebrated the wedding with pomp and ceremony, and the grandfather believed that they were wise when saying goodbye to their granddaughter. When the newlywed bride arrived in their village, everyone paid equal respect to the only old man in the bridal party. They decided to acknowledge the principles, rules, and laws that their village elders had established over many years based on the theory of truth. The old wisdom of the elders was once again respected to make the village prosperous.

This story is based on the idea that wisdom comes with age. It was the first time I was taught to think differently and to use lateral thinking to solve problems.

Boarding school was a strict and disciplined environment. Everything had to be paid for. I was given the responsibility of supervising myself. In a short time, I learned a few things I needed to know. Money became a medium of exchange for all the necessities. I started learning about money management. I made a lot of local friends from wealthy families. In addition to attending such a prestigious school, I was also considered the child of wealthy parents. I haven't ever told anybody about my past. It was the first time I realized that the rich expected their children to be well-educated and successful. Some students worked extremely hard at school to achieve high grades. They kept me focused and motivated. My parents were compassionate and loving because I realized that the only woman who loves a poor man is his mother. Most of us had a few hobbies, and some of us excelled at sports. We also read quite a few books. I resolved to be like them in the coming years by imitating them and pretending that the world was mine. Yes, I became the first imposter. This is when I realized the importance of education. Education opened doors to more innovative ways of thinking and earning money. It was an inspiring realization of the importance of friendship. Inspiring friends instill the right values. Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave, so the cunning British destroyed India's education system.

Naturally, not all friendships are created equal. A handful of spoiled rich kids were abusing their father's wealth. Bunking school, smoking in the restrooms, and leaving campus without permission appeared to be a ritualistic tradition of wealthy scholars. Some bullies were always looking for attention, and this aspect of life did not appeal to me, so I avoided them. It was then that I witnessed how the wealthy abused their financial power.

Intellectually, I managed my money. I learned from many wealthy people who did not waste their money. Some people are true misers. While experimenting with money, needs, and desires, I came to the conclusion that I needed to establish a method to become a careful spender. These values were instilled in me by one of my friends' families. This friend had a thing for me, and I used to go over to his house on holidays to spend time with him. He was the same classmate who told me the good news on my first day of school. He was a wealthy businessman. His father ran a large business. I recall being asked who my father was at our first meeting. I lied, saying he was an international lawyer who worked in Africa and Europe. I realized that if I told the truth, his son would be discouraged from being my friend. The wealthy socialize with other wealthy people. When the end justifies the means, dishonesty is sometimes required.

Our team's goal was to rank at the top of their division. The hidden abilities began to overflow. I appear to be interested in music, art, religion, and other activities that have nurtured my young inner ambitions. The leadership spirit was strengthened, and I was promoted to platoon commander in the junior wing during military training. I was chosen for the school basketball team and was named captain. I also entered an art competition and won several awards over the years. Once I reached the stage to receive my prize, I always thought of Leonardo DA Vinci. The old habits and grudges from home died away. The subsequent years were unremarkable due to the boarding school's strict schedule that provided little time for other social activities.

Again, motivational history lessons inspired me. Poet Rabindranath Tagore received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection Gitanjali, which was published in London in 1912. Bhagwan Buddha was born into an autocratic family. Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, was born in a small kingdom near the Himalayan foothills around 567 B.C.E. His father was a Shakya clan chief. Despite coming from wealthy families, all of them chose a path of righteousness other than a yogic life. My experience with Indian culture left me with a lasting impression. I held the same views about Sanatan Dharma whether I was rich or poor.

When I was sixteen, I yearned for my parents. Of course, letter writing was the only form of communication back then. My childhood fantasies were always productive. So when I got the letter, I would sit and think about him for hours. My father wrote the majority of his letters in the vernacular language he learned from the people he lived with. Some of the letters were read several times to grasp the moral and philosophical values of life. I missed my family at many of the school functions where most parents were present to celebrate their children's accomplishments. I couldn't return home, and neither could my parents because everything was about money. When I told my father about my accomplishments, he never complimented me. I didn't understand his feelings for me at first, however one day, in response to receiving some of my accolades, he wrote me this story.

The most famous sculptor

In ancient Rome, there was a master sculptor. He was well known for his sculptures and artwork. He was blessed with both fame and fortune. He also had a son who admired his father's achievements.

As a young and tender boy, the boy was groomed and trained in the same craft by his father. This led him to carve beautiful sculptures like his father until he was old enough to train under his father's guidance.

In addition to assisting his father, he created some masterpieces for the city of Rome. He, too, made a name for himself in his discipline as a result of his father's training. His father was a harsh critic who constantly pointed out flaws in his work and advised him to do better. With his father's constant criticism, the boy became irritated and desired recognition.

Hearing about a major exhibition in Rome, he prepared himself by making a sculpture in secret for his father and submitting it under a false name. He concentrated on and improved the critical skill that his father was most concerned about. Many of the country's most distinguished sculptors were invited to judge the finest of the exhibits. The boy's father accepted the invitation and came to evaluate the performances.

While browsing through the exhibits, the father paused at one that piqued his interest. With a smile, he told his son about the sculptor's excellent work. The boy was elated and asked his father about his attraction to that piece of art. He told him about his typical mistakes, as well as those of others in the exhibition, and how the sculptor of that exhibit possessed such perfectionist skill.

Upon receiving this compliment, the boy excitedly informed his father that it was his work done under a false name. He also informed his father that it was the first time he had received such recognition for his efforts.

The father paused for a moment before telling his son. "My son, you have always been talented, but my criticism has turned you into a perfectionist, despite my admiration, and from now on you will never better yourself because my praise will slow your pursuit of excellence."

While meditating on this thought, I realized that I would not receive a pat on the back from my father. Instead, I would have to better myself to achieve excellence. This aspect of my life has motivated me to seek out and achieve the highest standards. This realization that the harder I worked for something, the better I felt when I got it was going to be my wisdom.

At this school, we were taught about Sanatan Dharma, the mother of all ideologies, beliefs, and religions. The fellowship endorsed many symbols, descriptions, images, and idols that represented its identity. Festivities are always initiated by ceremonies and celebrations and are in a man's blood. When turned inward, a celebration, sacrifice, worship, or ritual means cosmic identification and awareness of Sanatan Dharma. Many ceremonies and celebrations became ritualistic parts of my life because they were all part of my hostel life.

In one such celebration, my friend's family invited me to lunch on Diwali, a very auspicious Hindu festival. My friend's father was a very wealthy man who owned several cotton mills in Bombay. When I entered the dining area of this grand celebration, I found hundreds of people, old and young, children and women, seated on the floor. They were waiting to be served a meal. I was led to the VIP lounge, where I was introduced to the rich and famous of Bombay. Because the majority of the parents' children attended my school, I was able to easily mix in with the crowd. My friend just told me that he was on his way to help distribute treats for the festivities. It struck me that this wealthy man was walking around with a serving dish, smiling and offering it to each person on the floor with his right hand. He was dressed in an all-white loin cloth. I observed the people on the floor greeting him with folded hands, some touching his toes and saying thank you. It was a tender and touching scene, and the festivities began with a meal. Some asked for more, and I could feel the joy in the hearts of the less fortunate. When I saw how people were eating, I got the impression that they had never eaten such food. When everything was finished, we sat in the dining room and ate our fair share of the Diwali feast.

When we returned to school, I asked my friend about the Diwali meal during one of our lunch breaks. I was surprised to learn that it was a family tradition in my friend's family to invite every worker and their family to this celebration. His father would personally serve them food, and then he would have his meals for the day. A nutritious meal fulfills the most basic needs of the poor. Most of them will never see such rich and well-prepared foods in their lives. He continued to tell me how his father had returned his father's wealth to his people by investing in projects such as education, healthcare, and social upliftment. I kept listening and absorbing the key points he made. It was time to develop values and appreciate a wealthy man who had given so much to his people. I inquired about his family's ancestry and was surprised to learn that they were the heirs of a large kingdom that was destroyed by invaders. His uncles served in the Indian parliament. Their ancestors had a kingly personality. My life demonstrated that many rich people's children were trained to take over their father's responsibilities. They were raised to manage duty, values, and money. I never imagined that this experience would stay with me for years. Humans have coexisted for millions of years on this earth. The former kings of India looked after their subjects without money during those years, and that system was still in the blood of such people.

My academic career was coming to an end. I studied very hard for my final exams. Here, I assessed my strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities before deciding on engineering as a career. I was left stranded in an emotional war, encouraged by a rich man's love and hurt by the poorest of the poor. The most valuable lesson I learned in school was practical money management, as well as leadership training. This taught me how to manage people in addition to reading, writing, and comprehending.

The end results were unimpressive, and I was disappointed in myself; however, while applying to colleges, I developed a new mindset. Change is unavoidable, and the time had come for me to embark on a journey of adventure. No experience and a skewed education from a boarding school were not a winning combination. Students from a family background were taught to focus on and pursue family values and careers. They lived in luxury and enjoyed the aristocratic lifestyle, whereas I had the disadvantage of moving to a foreign country and being in a position where money dictated my day-to-day living. Was there a decision to be made about where I should go from here? I needed immediate assistance and traveled to my grandmother's village. There, I researched my ancestors. My grandfather was a carpenter and my mother's father was a potter, so what should I be?

I evaluated the skills I learned at boarding school.I could operate machinery and felt comfortable using my hands, which is probably first and most crucial.  This is because I was an operator for a 16 mm projector that showed movies in the school auditorium. I was skilled at playing the sitar, a musical instrument. I was even offered a scholarship to Poland to pursue my interest in art and painting, but I turned it down. I had leadership experience and the ability to manage others.

I struggled with languages, history, and geography, but excelled in math and science. I used this as a guide to choose my college courses. Many of the students who came with me returned to their home countries. Some were homesick and left for sympathetic mothers. Yes, I was bombarded with opinions and advice.

Wisdom would come not from my age, but from my education and learning, so I had passed the first stage and making a decision was critical. I didn't want to make an emotional or harsh decision because my future was dependent on the very first step in life, which was right after high school.