Sadhaka: Swami! Generally speaking, there will be no one who does not crave wealth. But, what form of wealth is to be craved for? Which form will be approved by the Veda? What has the Veda said about this? Instruct me.

Sai: 'Vedam Paramaiswaryam' (Veda is the highest treasure) 'Vedayathithi Veda' (That which gives instruction is known as Veda) 'Sah Vedasthwam' (Get instructed by that Veda). Wealth (Dhana) is desired and sought out (Artha) as a means for prosperity and progress (Subha). So, He too is known as Arthah. The Veda announces that the intuitive wisdom (Jnana) constitutes the riches (Dhana) the means by which the Almighty is attained; this alone deserves the name 'Vedas' or Vedic truth. Sruthi (Vedic scripture) asserts that such wealth alone can confer the joy of satisfaction (thripthi) to both the worshipper (aaraadhaka) and worshipped (aaraadhya).

The Rg Veda extols this form of wealth and refers to it as Sruthyaak, for it is the type described and recommended in the Sruthi. The Veda approves as Vedic only that wealth that is earned through adherence to the moral codes laid down clearly for human guidance.

Sadhaka: Sruthyaak? What does that mean, Swami?

Sai: A prosperous person (Sreemantha) is one who is happily endowed with sons and grandsons and who is successful in worldly ambitions beyond even surprising heights. Moral excellence is a more valuable possession. This wealth is the concrete result of Vedic injunctions. It is called Dharma. The Ramayana extols Rama as Dharma Personified (Vigrahavaan Dharma). Dharma sustains all beings ("sarva bhoothaanaam dhaaranaath, Dharmah"). Dharma is the support (dhaarana) for all beings. Hence it is named Dharma. The Almighty is that support and sustenance; the most effective mode of worship is the offering of Dharma. So, the almighty Itself is identified with the word, Dharma. That name is therefore meaningful. The entire Cosmos projected by the Almighty is established on Dharma. (Dharmo Viswasya Jagathah Prathistaa). The Dharma imbued with profound sanctity is being interpreted by persons in accordance with their whims and fancies, their selfish interests. Hence it has been severely distorted. The words, Veda and Deva take on new meanings and implications. The process can be clearly recognised in Vedic literature. "Swayam Sarvam Vetthi-ithi Vedah" (Itself It Knows All). This statement reveals that Veda is the Omniscient Brahma Itself. Sruthi is Its embodiment.