Life is
beautiful. There is so much variety in everything. We enjoy the goodies through
our antennae to external world - senses. It is of course human nature to put
efforts to satisfy one’s senses.
For majority of us, we can consider it as the driving force. We tend to acquire stuff to make ourselves happy. But sometimes we fail to set a limit to gratification and become too obsessed with our possessions. And that’s when we start turning into hoarders.
For majority of us, we can consider it as the driving force. We tend to acquire stuff to make ourselves happy. But sometimes we fail to set a limit to gratification and become too obsessed with our possessions. And that’s when we start turning into hoarders.
The dictionary
explains meaning of hoard – To accumulate as much of (something) as one can, as
when fearing a shortage. In the current commercial world, we have come to
believe that money is that magic entity which can bestow the power upon us to
buy whatever we want, live the way we wish to and ultimately lead to
satisfaction.
There is no need to further reason about importance of money. If we stop after making enough money for our survival, to keep ourselves happy, possibly all is well. By the way, the happiest person today on earth is a monk and he is not the richest in world!
There is no need to further reason about importance of money. If we stop after making enough money for our survival, to keep ourselves happy, possibly all is well. By the way, the happiest person today on earth is a monk and he is not the richest in world!
However once we
begin “accumulating” money, there is no end to the desire. We crave to earn
more; lead a lavish lifestyle; save for our future generations…
While this act of amassing money may lead to tentative fulfillment, one should realize that it does more harm than good. It gradually develops into a disease and corrupts the mind. A shloka from Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhaja Govindam says:
While this act of amassing money may lead to tentative fulfillment, one should realize that it does more harm than good. It gradually develops into a disease and corrupts the mind. A shloka from Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhaja Govindam says:
Oh fool! Give up your thirst to amass wealth, devote
your mind to thoughts regarding the Real. Be content with money that comes
through actions rightfully performed.
In fact, researchers
in psychology have already identified this state of illness & labeled it as
hoarding disorder. They say people experiencing this disorder will have
difficulty in discarding their possessions.
And just the thought of getting rid of their belongings makes them miserable.
And just the thought of getting rid of their belongings makes them miserable.
Let us keep a watch
on our desires consciously to avoid becoming hoarders and truly enjoy the
richness of life. What are some of your suggestions to keep away from hoarding
disorder?
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