New York, August 30: Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has urged individuals to look beyond personal wealth and material success. He stated that the true measure of life lies in how much one contributes to society.
Speaking at the Universal Oneness Celebration, Bhagwat highlighted that every person relies on the efforts and contributions of others. This interdependence creates a responsibility to give back to the community.
He remarked, “It is not important how much we earn; what matters is how much we share.”
Bhagwat questioned whether a career should merely be viewed as a means to acquire money and material happiness. He challenged the notion that a career is solely about financial gain or physical pleasure.
He noted that Indian traditions do not dismiss wealth or material achievements. Instead, they regard both as valid aspects of human life, but not the sole purpose. Even our Upanishads advise against pursuing only liberation; one must also achieve material success.
He argued that no one can claim to be entirely self-made, as one’s life is supported by parents, farmers, laborers, and many others.
He asked, “We have all reached this stage in life. We have grown, learned, and will continue to progress. Who has given us this capability? Our parents provided us this body. Farming is happening somewhere in the world, which is why you can eat. What would happen if farmers stopped farming? You wear clothes because of the mills. Laborers are working. Farmers who grow cotton still exist. We receive everything due to others. Therefore, we must give back.”
Bhagwat asserted that the pursuit of material pleasures can never provide lasting satisfaction. He illustrated this point using the example of donuts.
He humorously stated, “If I like New York donuts, I will eat them. How many can I eat at once? I don’t know. I am diabetic. Tomorrow morning, I might be ready to eat 50 more. Thus, material happiness is fleeting and cannot provide true fulfillment. Excessive material pleasure can even lead to failure.”
He emphasized that humans possess the unique ability to contemplate the consequences of their decisions. The direction of one’s thoughts determines whether they live solely for themselves or take responsibility for others.
Bhagwat concluded, “You can think, but how you think is crucial. If you think correctly, you draw closer to God. If you think incorrectly, you move closer to the animal kingdom.”
He added, “We must care for one another. We should care in a way that my life sustains life.”
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