ARTHA COURSE

 In ancient Vedic philosophy, the concept of Artha holds a significant place. Artha, derived from the Vedic Sanskrit word meaning "wealth" or "prosperity," is an essential aspect of human life according to the Rishis. However, the understanding of Artha extends far beyond material wealth and encompasses a holistic approach to leading a fulfilling and purposeful life. This chapter aims to explore the Vedic concept of Artha, its multifaceted nature, and its relevance in contemporary times.

In a world that often misinterprets the ancient wisdom of the Vedas as a renouncement of worldly wealth, it's time to bust some myths wide open. Far from advocating a life devoid of material comfort, Vedic knowledge systems provide profound insights into the intricate balance of 'Artha'—a Vedic Sanskrit term that embodies both 'meaning' and 'wealth.'

In a world where people with money and power are often called great, the Rishis disagreed. But why? You may ask. To answer this you need to understand the Vedic Sanskrit word "Mahatma" or "Greatness" from the Vedic perspective. 

In Vedic wisdom, concepts like Dharma, Karma, and Shakti have endured the test of time, offering invaluable insights into leading a meaningful and purposeful existence. Unfortunately, these profound principles are often misunderstood and misinterpreted, leading to a life plagued by dissatisfaction and suffering. However, by unravelling the true meanings behind Dharma, Karma, and the relative nature of Shakti, we can discover transformative paths towards personal growth and fulfilment.

In the modern world, the concept of giving has been overshadowed by a transactional approach, leading to a culture of charity driven by personal gains and recognition. However, the ancient Vedic wisdom offers us a profound perspective on giving, rooted in the principles of Dharma, Karma, and Danam. Understanding this perspective can transform our outlook on giving and inspire genuine acts of kindness and compassion.

Many consider currency as wealth. But currency is only a legal bill which is worth only in exchange. Besides, it has its geographical limitations. Conventional currencies like dollar, pound sterling, rupees, yen, etc. can be exchanged only in set geographical areas. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin – which is valued much more than the US dollar – are mostly useful in online transactions. Currency is a denomination of wealth – not wealth itself. 

Vedic philosophy has a unique understanding of “Wealth Creation” which it refers to as Lakshmi. Lakshmi is not simply the “Goddess” depicted in temples across the country. Although this science certainly inspired the image of the Goddess, Lakshmi in the real sense is the Vedic science of wealth creation that enables people to understand, attain and sustain abundance and prosperity, at both outer and inner levels of life.

The stock market is often discussed, yet only a small number of people truly understand it. With the government's tax incentives for the stock market, more individuals invest in it to save money on taxes. While engaging in the stock market is considered an "investment," it's important to revisit the concept of investment as well as gambling. 

In today's world, the desire for financial security and prosperity drives many individuals to seek investment opportunities. While responsible investing can be a path to wealth accumulation, a concerning trend has emerged in recent years: people incurring debt in the name of investment. This practice, often fueled by a mix of optimism, FOMO (fear of missing out), and misinformation, can lead to dire consequences. In this chapter, we will explore the reasons behind this alarming trend, the types of investments people are turning to, and the potential risks they face.

Knowing in what organization (listed or startup) to invest is the key to successful capital investing. But how is one to know where or in what to invest? This obvious-looking question rarely has any obvious answer. In this chapter, we present clear and definitive pointers to identify startups that are bad investments:

In today's fast-paced world, the pursuit of wealth often takes centre stage. However, the true essence of wealth goes beyond mere monetary gains; it encapsulates the profound concept of Artha – a Vedic treasure trove of knowledge that delves into meaningful wealth creation and a holistic understanding of value.

Banking is a cornerstone of modern economies, providing essential financial services that enable economic growth and stability. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, but it has evolved significantly over time. In this chapter, we will explore the historical roots of banking, its current forms, and its paramount importance in today's global economy.

Taxation is an integral part of modern society, but its roots stretch far back into history. Understanding the origins of taxation helps us appreciate its development, purposes, and significance in the contemporary world. In this chapter, we delve into the early origins of taxation, tracing its evolution from ancient tributes to the complex systems we have today.

Margins and profitability are two important financial metrics that are often used to assess the financial health and performance of a business. While they are related, they are never the same. And understanding the difference could be key to survival in many circumstances. 

Projection and prediction are two related but distinct concepts often used in the context of data analysis, statistics, and modelling. Here's an explanation of the key differences between them:

Financial engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles from finance, mathematics, statistics, economics, and computer science to create innovative financial products, strategies, and solutions. The primary goal of financial engineering is to design and implement financial instruments and strategies that help organizations and investors manage risk, optimize returns, and achieve their financial objectives. But Financial Engineering also has a dangerous flipside. This chapter presents you with everything you need to know about the subject. 

The feeling of debt or obligation, whether financial or otherwise, is also a psychological issue since it strongly affects the working of the mind and disturbs emotions. Since the mind holds the notion of debt, it is the mind which must be deployed to remove it. In an era when people have numerous debts and unfulfilled obligations, Vedic wisdom about the mind and Rina or Debt is critical for the right management of our debts and obligations and for preventing them from getting out of control. This chapter examines the Vedic concept of Rina and its relevance today.

Jealousy of people is among the many things that come along with success and wealth. And it is by far the most potent threat as it could turn even a dear friend into a deadly enemy. And when that enemy continues to pose as a friend, enjoying proximity to you, (s)he becomes a Hitashatru.