Abstract
Srila Rupa Gosvami declares that if one rejects this material world as false, not considering the importance of this material world as a means to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead, such renunciation has very little value. According to my Spiritual Master, Srila Prabhupada, an intelligent person possessing currency notes does not hold the money without using it, even though he knows perfectly well that the currency notes in themselves are nothing but paper. When one has currency notes, he is actually holding only papers, but if he utilizes it for a purpose, then he benefits. Similarly, although this material world may appear false, just like the paper, it has its proper beneficial utilization [Bhaktivedanta purport of the Eighty-seventh Chapter of Krsna, "Prayers by the Personified Vedas."]
Just as currency notes have value, the stock market also has value. Although the stock market may appear to be a collection of false papers, it has its proper, beneficial utilization. An individual may have legitimate reasons for avoiding the stock market, particularly if their cash flow situation is precarious and they are unable to tolerate the inevitable market crashes that create the conditions for powerful advances. However, if one were to reject the stock market as an illusion, then this misconception is symptomatic of impersonalism. The Mayavadi philosopher, mistaking the stock market and currency notes for false paper, gives them up and cannot utilize these resources in the Service of the Lord.
A diversified stock portfolio, in combination with careful cash flow management, is a highly effective tool for building wealth. Without compromising Vaishnava principles, a devotee may take advantage of this powerful engine of long term capital accumulation, fully knowing the value of this material world and how to properly utilize it. While working in Krishna Consciousness outside of ISKCON, a devotee can build the foundations for the next stage of life: financial independence, early retirement, and more intensive preaching activities. The objective of this article is to delineate a non-speculative methodology for achieving financial independence.
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