Abhyudaya
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Abhyudaya literally means ‘prosperity’.
In scriptures like the dharmaśāstras, it has always been emphasized that a householder must strive for abhyudaya which means worldly prosperity but not forget that niśśreyasa (mokṣa or liberation) is the ultimate goal of life.
For a man, it is certainly not wrong to entertain modest ambitions with regard to wealth, power, progeny or fame, to keep himself and his family happy and contented. On the other hand, he will be failing in his duty if he neglects his family and makes his dependents suffer. However, it is equally emphasized that while striving for abhyudaya, he should never forsake dharma (righteousness).
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore