Peace of Mind is the Greatest Wealth
Our sages, rishis and maharishis and the guidelines given by them advise devotees to seek nothing else, but welfare and peace of mind. They always say that peace of mind is the greatest wealth and this is possible when we get rid of attachments. Attachments are worldly
attractions. More we get attached more are we surrounded by worries, dissatisfaction and pains and more we get entangled with the world.
Bhagwan Shri Krishna has advised ‘to get rid of attachments, forget about affections and get into My fold, surrender to Me and I shall lead you on a holy path, the path of Salvation’.

Once there was a devotee who was poor and had a large family. He was always forced to generate wealth for himself as well as for his family so that they could live comfortably. He went into a spell of prayers and meditated on God. The penance was long and strong. God got pleased with him and appeared before him. God, while blessing him, asked him to ask for a boon. Without any hesitation he asked for a gift of five lakh rupees so that he could give the money to his family.

God was surprised at the spontaneous demand. God said: ‘This is a very small demand, you better consider your demand once again, and ask for something more substantial and durable’. The devotee remained firm on his demand. Granting the boon, God said to him, ‘Go to the forest where you will find a naked saint sitting in front of the fire. Tell him that you have been sent by God and that God has promised
him a sum of five lakhs of rupees. He will fulfill your desire.’ He went to the forest and found the saint, and told him about the boon granted by God.

The saint looked at him and asked him to pick up the small piece of stone lying close to the fireplace. The saint said, ‘Here is your boon. Take it home. It is a touchstone. Anything you touch with it, shall turn into pure gold.’ The devotee was indeed very pleased. He took the stone home and started touching everything in the house, and instantly all those items turned into gold. He was very happy as he had suddenly become a rich person. Soon he realized that the wealth generated this way started producing a host of problems – social as well as economic. He started fearing theft. Family members with the sudden creation of wealth fell into the wrong company and become extravagant. He too got sucked into vices. Whatever peace of mind he had before the boon; he not only lost it but also started feeling discontented. He began to realize that the demand he made to God was wrong. Leaving his family and house, he ran towards the naked saint and bowing before him returned the touchstone to him. He said, ‘Your holiness, this touchstone has no doubt filled my house with gold but at the same time given me immense problems. I have lost peace of mind, harmony in family relations beside myself being under the constant fear of thieves. I have come here to return this touchstone, and in return, I seek peace of mind. I do not need this wealth. I need the blessings of God, and hereby I surrender to you. Save me, your holiness.’ The saint was much pleased and advised the devotee, ‘Go back home and devote yourself in the service of God. He alone can give your peace
of mind and harmony in relationship. He will sanctify you and lead you to the Path of Salvation and service to mankind. Wealth is a noose around your neck. Get out of it. God’s blessing is the greatest wealth, not gold.’