Artha (Economic Development)
A man who works hard to maintain his family is considered to be a responsible householder. However, economic development can also entangle a person in a network of karma, unless it is regulated by dharma.
"Economic development and sense gratification must be based on religious principles." (Srimad Bhagavatam 4.22.36 Bhaktivedanta Purport).
So what constitutes artha according to dharma? How can economic development be based on religious principles?
1. By engaging one's God-given talents in some honest work.
According to the ancient varnashram-dharma, each person falls into a specific varna, or occupational division, according to natural qualities and activities.
"According to the three modes of material nature and the work associated with them, the four divisions of human society are created by Me." (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita As It Is 4.13)
The four sections of society are known as brahmanas (teachers and priests), kshatriyas (warriors and politicians), vaishyas (farmers, traders and bankers), and sudras (labourers and artisans). These four sections are present in every society. When people are engaged according to their natural skills and propensities, they become positive contributors to a healthy society. The purpose of the varnashram system is to facilitate the spiritual advancement of all four sections of society by encouraging them to co-operate together in the service of God.
2. By offering the fruits of one's labour to the Supreme Lord.
Artha according to dharma means karma-yoga, or working for the pleasure of the Supreme Lord.
"Work done as a sacrifice for Visnu has to be performed, otherwise work causes bondage in this material world." (Bhagavad-gita 3.9)
If we think that whatever money we have earned by our work is our rightful property, to be used for our enjoyment and the enjoyment of our family members, we become infected by a share of the karma of all those who have been involved in transmitting that money to us. The workings of karma are so complex and intricate that it is not possible for any human being to decipher the chain cycles of actions and reactions that permeate our lives. The way to become immune to the negative karma that inevitably results from generating an income in the material world is to offer all that we receive to the Supreme Lord by engaging it in His service.
We can easily offer our home and all our possessions to the Lord by installing a bona fide Deity and worshipping Him as the Master of the house. Since He is the Lord of the universe, why should we not accept Him as the Master of our small house? If we offer all of our food first to the Deity of the Supreme Lord and then accept his remnants as prasada (mercy), all that we eat becomes pure and free from karma.
"If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it." (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita 9.26).
As well as pure vegetarian food, we can also offer Him all types of paraphernalia for worship, such as beautiful clothes and jewellery, incense, lamps, water, cloth, flowers, fans, perfume oils, etc. Seeing all that we possess as the property of the Lord means accepting whatever we need for our maintenance and utilising the rest in His service and in the service of His devotees.
"Everything animate or inanimate that is within the universe is controlled and owned by the Lord. On should therefore accept only those things necessary for himself, which are set aside as his quota, and one must not accept other things, knowing well to Whom they belong." (Sri Isopanishad, Mantra 1).
For more about giving in charity, see Varnashram-dharma (under Dharma).