Swami Vivekananda says (Complete Works Of Swami Vivekananda 2.4): The beggar [the one who is attached to the effects, the fruits, rather than their cause, the action] is never happy. The beggar only gets a dole with pity and scorn behind it, at least with the thought behind that the beggar is a low object. He never really enjoys what he gets. We are all beggars. Whatever we do, we want a return. We are all traders. We are traders in life, we are traders in virtue, we are traders in religion. And alas! we are also traders in love.
Swami Vivekananda's profound observation, "We are all beggars. We are all traders," reflects a timeless truth about human nature and the intrinsic motivations behind our actions. This assertion transcends mere economic transactions, delving deep into the spiritual and psychological realms, as illuminated by Hindu philosophy. To understand this fully, we must explore the nuances of desire, attachment, action, and self-realization within the rich tapestry of Hindu thought.
The Nature of Begging and Trading in Human Life
At its core, Vivekananda's statement critiques the transactional nature of human relationships and endeavors. The beggar symbolizes an individual attached to outcomes, perpetually seeking validation, rewards, or material gains. This is not limited to physical begging but extends to emotional, intellectual, and even spiritual dependencies. The trader, on the other hand, represents those who engage in life with an expectation of returns, whether in business, virtue, or love.
Hindu Scriptures on Desire and Attachment
The Upanishads, foundational texts of Hindu philosophy, repeatedly emphasize the dangers of attachment and desire. The Isha Upanishad begins with a powerful verse:
"Īuṣā vāsyam idam sarvaṇ yat kiñca jagatyāṁ jagat;
tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā mā gṝhah kasyasvid dhanam."
(Translation: "All this—whatever exists in this changing universe—should be covered by the Lord. Protect the Self by renunciation. Do not covet anyone's wealth.")
This verse encapsulates the essence of non-attachment (tyaga) and renunciation (vairagya), urging individuals to transcend the superficial layers of existence and recognize the underlying unity of all beings.
The Psychological Dynamics: Desire and Suffering
Modern psychology aligns with these ancient insights. The "hedonic treadmill" concept explains how individuals quickly return to a baseline level of happiness despite significant positive or negative changes in their lives. This constant craving for more mirrors the beggar's plight—always wanting, never satisfied.
Buddha, although a separate tradition, echoed similar truths rooted in the Indian philosophical context: "Desire is the root cause of all suffering." Hindu texts, like the Bhagavata Purana, reinforce this by highlighting how uncontrolled desires lead to bondage, while contentment (santosha) leads to liberation.
The Trader in Virtue and Religion
Vivekananda's critique extends to how people often approach spirituality itself as a transaction. Many perform rituals, offer donations, or engage in religious practices expecting divine favors in return. This "spiritual commerce" contrasts sharply with the selfless devotion (bhakti) described in texts like the Bhagavad Purana, where true devotion is characterized by unconditional love for the Divine, free from ulterior motives.
Saints like Sant Kabir and Guru Nanak also criticized this approach. Kabir's couplets (dohas) often mock superficial religious rituals devoid of genuine inner transformation. He said:
"Moko kahan dhoonde re bande, main to tere paas mein;
Na main deval, na main masjid, na kaabe kailas mein."
(Translation: "Where do you search for me, O seeker? I am close to you. I'm not in temples, mosques, or sacred mountains.")
This verse emphasizes the futility of external transactions in spirituality and the importance of internal realization.
The Science Behind Selfless Action
Modern neuroscience supports the benefits of selfless actions. Acts of genuine altruism activate the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine, often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. Interestingly, this joy is intrinsic and not contingent upon external validation or rewards, aligning with the Hindu concept of nishkama karma (desireless action).
Practical Relevance in the Modern World
In today's hyper-competitive, materialistic society, the "trader mentality" is pervasive. Social media amplifies this, where interactions are often driven by the desire for likes, followers, or validation. However, this external focus leads to anxiety, stress, and a fragile sense of self-worth.
Hindu philosophy offers a remedy through practices like mindfulness, meditation, and seva (selfless service). By shifting focus from "What do I gain?" to "How can I serve?", individuals experience deeper fulfillment. Organizations that promote servant leadership, emphasizing empathy and community over profit, often report higher employee satisfaction and productivity.
Saints and Gurus on Transcending the Trade
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Vivekananda's guru, taught through simple parables. In one, he described a salt doll wanting to measure the ocean's depth. As it entered the water, it dissolved, becoming one with the ocean. This illustrates the dissolution of the ego and the end of transactional existence when one realizes their unity with the Divine.
Similarly, Anandamayi Ma emphasized living in the present moment without attachment to results. She often said, "Let my body, mind, and soul be Thy instruments, O Lord." This surrender dissolves the trader's mindset, replacing it with pure, unconditioned existence.
The Ultimate Teaching: Moving Beyond Begging and Trading
The ultimate goal in Hinduism is moksha (liberation), which transcends all forms of attachment and desire. The Mandukya Upanishad describes this state as turiya — the fourth state of consciousness, beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. Here, the individual realizes their true nature as Sat-Chit-Ananda (existence, consciousness, bliss), independent of external circumstances.
This realization transforms life from a series of transactions to an expression of pure being. Actions flow naturally, not from a place of need but from fullness. As the Ashtavakra Gita states:
"You are the one witness of all things, forever free. Your only bondage is not seeing this."
Swami Vivekananda's insight is a call to introspection. Recognizing our "beggar" and "trader" tendencies is the first step toward transcending them. Hindu philosophy, through its rich scriptures and enlightened teachers, offers pathways to move from transactional living to transformational existence. By embracing selfless action, inner contentment, and the realization of our true nature, we can break free from the cycles of craving and become, not beggars or traders, but embodiments of divine wholeness.