What is the safe earning for a devotee in life for himself & family?
A Male devotee (Name hidden) asked like this:
“Hare Krishna dandvats prabhu,
I am amazed by reading posts on this site and this great knowledge made my life easy and happy. Thank you. I have doubt regarding earning money. As we have responsibility of parents and then after marriage need to take care of family. Like basic needs, own house, children’s education, marriages, medical expenses etc. So need to earn sufficient money. But sometimes I get thoughts like how much money is actually needed like 1 lakh per month, 2 lakh per month, and sometimes I think, this human form is rare to get and I should use this rare opportunity for chanting, devotional service as much as possible. As have a higher goal of getting Radha Krishna’s devotional service in goloka vrindavana. I am sure that Krishna will help me if I follow Krishna consciousness and my duties sincerely, But confused about how much money I should target to earn for next generation/ to complete responsibilities.”
REPLY:
Interesting question.
In today’s competitive world, the devotees, particularly grahasthas have to think of these things.
(Right way of Spending the earnings to avoid karma! READ HERE!)
Many boys and girls may have doubt:
Are we earning sufficiently?
Are we safeguarding our family for future needs?
Such questions may arise in the minds of devotees in their young age.
Because others may have only material goals in life. So, they will aim for anything of any level.
But the devotees have spiritual goals dominated in them. However, they have to fulfil other duties of protecting their families by working and earning.
So, the devotees have both spiritual and material goals. Only if they maintain their body properly, they can follow devotion without difficulties.
So, the devotees are in a position to plan for their earnings also.
Whatever be the official recommendations, I like to give some practically feasible tips about earning.
How much is the safe earning for a devotee in life depends on his way of life. We can’t fix an amount as the desired level because the life style and requirements vary from person to person. If we give the same number for all, it won’t suit.
(Is working hard and earning more to serve Krishna a fruitive activity? READ HERE!)
However, since you have asked specifically how much earniong one needs, let me give some tips.
See, in this Post, I am giving just an idea and it can be customised for everyone based on his cost of living and other factors.
Let me take myself as an example for a simple and essential spending.
My electricity bills are very low.Because my usage is very limited. I use only the basic machineries/ devices that will help to maintain my disturbed health and also preaching activities.
I also do not use cars or two wheelers. I hire them whenever they are required for genuine reasons. So, I do not spend for Petrol or vehicles. On ordinary trips, I use public transports.
I had a policy decision of not using air conditioners in my life. I gad already written this in other posts. But, Last year, the temperature in Summer crossed 110 degrees in our state that made my skin burning because I use water dehydrating tablets daily to avoid water accumulation in body as a safety measure, that make my skin very dry. Krishna has given sufficient hydration for the skin to withstand the temperature. I lost it because of dehydrating tablets. So, I got increased skin burning feeling and increased risk of stroke. I could not move my hands because of skin burning in high temperature. This burning feeling was not felt during other seasons.
The doctors advised me to use air conditioner atleast for day time work room because my skin is dried up by the tablets and hence can’t withstand the high temperature beyond a limit. I refused, but, I could not move my hands during afternoon last year. My services were affected by this health issue of skin dryness.
Since the skin burning feeling prevented me from typing and preaching, I installed a basic air conditioner as advised by the doctor part of the treatment to avoid stoppage of my service to the Lord and devotees during summer days. Since I had a simple lifestyle, I use the AC rarely only when my hands and shoulders pain me much, ie, for 2-3 hours on any day and only if the temperature affects my health preventing my services. Since I use AC only occasionally, my electricity bill is very low that will be unbelievable. Yes, that much of rare usage only for emergency because air conditioners are against my policy decision and I always want to live in the natural climate given by Krishna in this earth. But, because of the exploitation of nature by the selfish humans, the global warming increased beyond a bearable limit. So, I too had to act against my policies as advised by doctors and to serve the devotees.
(What if Material duties and Service to Krishna Pull us from both the sides? READ HERE!)
So, for the persons of my nature and background, small money is sufficient to lead the life. Rental expenses will be more now and in future and even buying a new house costs more now.
All grahasthas can’t lead such a simple life unless their spouse and children cooperate. So, the devotees can decide their expenditure according to their way of life and cooperation level from their family.
For simple understanding, keep the income from the middle level Government jobs as the optimum level according to your qualification.
Aiming for the earnings of Govt jobs is for minimum target. Your karma may give even more or less.
You have asked the quantum. Single quantity may not match all people.
So, as per the cost of life in the year 2025, the devotees in Metros should aim for atleast Rs. One lakh per month. The devotees in the second level towns may aim for Rs.75000PM.
At the same time, they should also be prepared to work and earn more with the rising cost of living in future in this world.
I have mentioned the minimum range in India as safe earning for a devotee in India. Those who work in other countries can decide according to the average earning and cost of living in their countries.
Minimum goal can be like this. However, you can’t fix the limit for maximum possible earning because, everyone’s earnings are fixed by his karma network.
So, atleast try to earn the average earning of a middle level government employee. If your karma allows more earnings, you will earn more. If your karma does not allow more earnings, you will earn less in spite of your efficient performance.
(Is following hobbies thinking Krishna allowed for devotees? READ HERE!)
If you get the earnings more than your requirement, help for the devotees and poor without expecting any benefits from them.
My advice is that every earning person should save 25% of his earnings in safe investments like bank deposits for the future usage. 4-5% can be allotted for health and life insurance. 40-50% can be spent for family expenses. Remaining money can be used for Krishna and needy people.
Whatever the quantum be, you need an optimum level of earning to lead a less difficult life. So, everyone should work and earn.
So, this goal can be set even while you are studying.
Just fix a goal, but accept whatever is blessed by Krishna thru your karma network.
Hope you are clear about the safe earning for a devotee in life for himself & family.
(Is earning too much bad for initiated devotees? READ HERE!)