Talk:Marriage:Three Ways to Economy

By Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swami

I feel that the marriage expenses could be reduced in three ways. First, both men and women must discard silks and other costly wear and use clothing of the lowest quality. Second, coffee must be given up; instead wheat kañji or buttermilk may be taken as a substitute. I say this because coffee has become a habit and a substitute may be needed for those who find it difficult to give it up. According to medical science, buttermilk is as good as amṛta (ambrosia). Expenses will be reduced by 60 per cent this way. If you check on the money you spend on rice and on milk and coffee, you will find that you spend more on the last two items than on the first.

Third, you must refuse to take a dowry. If this advice of mine is taken, there is no room for ostentation and vanity in our life. At the same time, apart from better physical health, there will be inner advancement. Above all, śāstric life will be revived.