The Power Of Knowledge

In the Swarga Lok, which, according to Hindu mythology, is the abode of Gods and Goddesses, Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth had an argument with Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, over who was the most powerful of the two. Since Goddess Lakshmi was the initiator of the debate, it was decided that she will go to earth along with Maharshi Narada who was known to be expert in resolving such disputes.

After few days they both came back to Swarga Lok and noticeably, Goddess Lakshmi was looking subdued, in spite of the heavy fine jewelry and fine clothes she was decked in. Saraswati, with a smile on her face, was playing veena, as usual. She stopped for a while and looked at Lakshmi and enquired as to what she saw on earth. Lakshmi replied to her,” We saw that people blessed with wealth loose it in no time if they do not have Saraswati’s blessings. They are cheated out of their wealth. Money earned with the support of educated, grows slowly but steadily but is lasting. Undisputedly, money or Lakshmi can be stolen but not Saraswati. Knowledge is most precious wealth which cannot be stolen by any thief. In fact, even if the person having knowledge is willing to share it, unless the recipient has your blessings, he cannot receive. So, Devi Saraswati you are more powerful of the two of us. Please excuse me for my ignorance.”

When we look around, our day-to-day life is becoming more and more technology driven. Though outwardly it appears that money drives our lives, in reality it is the money derived from and supported by the knowledge that drives the universe. Money may buy things, but we need knowledge even to use them correctly.