Vladimir Zdanov from the Russian Parliament is talking with Maharaj ji again. Maharaj has been encouraging development of Russia’s plentiful natural resources. Mr. Zdanov asks him, “How to do business ethically? How to make money properly?”
Maharaj answers,
First try to change the ideas in your country. Then when people start working for progressive economic development, have meetings about this: How to have good moral development in the government also. Then the government officials should explain to the country. People will always follow when you teach them.
Mr. Zdanov asks, “How to explain the relationship between happiness and money?”
Maharaj says,
Tell them that money does not bring happiness. Happiness and love are different. Why do we make money? So that we will have housing, food, clothes. These are the daily needs. When we have them, then we should sit and speak of love and sharing. Share your good ideas, your earnings.
This will not come by speaking in the air. This feeling does not exist in Russia. First at the highest level, a few people must sit and accept this idea. Don’t be afraid of the public. When the Parliament will agree on this idea, the parliamentarians will have to accept and practice it in their lives. It will take a little time. But I have faith that the whole country will follow.
Now energy is being wasted in conflict between different parties. When all that energy will be put in this direction, then a flood will come. I have firm faith in this. No one wants war, poverty, fighting, and ego. This sounds difficult to you today, but I don’t feel it is difficult.
Your management must improve the supplies within the country. For example, what can I say if I go to our country? Only, “Stand up, make good laws, work according to them, be good examples.” I will keep on saying this, but you will have to stand up yourselves. Clear your mind. I don’t want improvement to come to your country from outside. It will come from within. Forget me. I only want to see love, happiness, and peace in your country. I don’t need to go there.
Mr. Zdanov says, “What is best? To make money or make money and do something good for society? In my opinion, it’s not best to make money, but to make money in order to make something more valuable for the people. Do you agree?”
Maharaj ji: “100 percent.”