Dhanalakshmi and Daaridryalakshmi

1/27/09

We all know that there are two Lakshmis of opposite qualities who visit and go or visit and stay in all households. One thing is sure that both Lakshmis cannot be present in one household at the same time. 

But surprisingly both the Lakshmis can exist in one's mind because there are several people in this world in whose house Dhanalakshmi (wealth) stays and even after knowing that they have enough resources to lead a peaceful life,  they still experience the effect of Daaridryalakshmi's (poverty's) presence in their mind. This means that they are never happy with what they have and it is called Manodaaridryam or mental poverty. 

Even though Daaridyalakshmi exits out of their house at the arrival of Dhanalakshmi, some people save the image of Daaridrya Lakshmi in their minds and experience poverty. Vice versa also is rarely seen .( A perfect example of this type is Bhagavan's classmate and dear friend Sudama or Kuchela). Daardrya Lakshmi would have entered their house and still they save the image of the exited Dhanalskhmi in their mind and lead a contented life. This means they are contented with what they have, they are optimistic, their needs are less and mind is rich. This is called Manassamthrupthi or contentment of the mind.

 

Both the Lakshmis were proud of their characteristics. Dhanalaskmi knew that her presence made everyone happy and because of her power, kind and rich people gave for charities and financed several good causes. Like everybody else she did not want to look at the negative side of her presence. 

Daaridrya Lakshmi knew that her presence brought humility in human minds and often made people realize that one does not need wealth to become happy. Of course she also did not look at the suffering and other negative aspects of her own presence. (Lack of essential food and conveniences can leave the mankind in utter misery and suffering.) Both the Lakshmis were extremely beautiful in their own way. Dhanalakshmi had a ravishing beauty with attractive eyes and Daaridrya Lakshmi was very simple and adorable.

 

One day they approached a wise man living in a village and asked him to tell who was more beautiful of the two. He thought for a few moments and was reluctant to say one way or other for fear of hurting them. Finally wisdom dawned on the wise man. He said: 

" Dhanalakshmi, can you walk gracefully and enter this house? I will watch you." 

Then he turned to the other Lakshmi:

"Daaridryalakshmi, can you walk gracefully towards the gate and step outside? I will watch you."

 

They did as per the wise man's instruction. Then he said:

 Dhanalskhmi, you looked fantastic when you  entered the house and Daaridryalakshmi, you also looked fantastic when you were walking outside. So both of you are equally beautiful. One looks good when she comes in and one looks good when she walks out.

 

They appreciated the wise man's wisdom and Dhanalakshmi stayed in his house and Daaridryalakshmi cheerfully walked away from his house!

Sreekrishnaarppanamastu