View source for Spending fifty percent of the income for Krsna

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[[Category:Spending Money|2]]
[[Category:Fifty Percent of Money|2]]
[[Category:Income|2]]
[[Category:Spending for Krsna|2]]
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<div id="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is" class="section" sec_index="0" parent="compilation" text="Bhagavad-gita As It Is"><h2>Bhagavad-gita As It Is</h2>
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<div id="BG_Chapters_13_-_18" class="sub_section" sec_index="3" parent="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is" text="BG Chapters 13 - 18"><h3>BG Chapters 13 - 18</h3>
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<div id="BG1613_0" class="quote" parent="BG_Chapters_13_-_18" book="BG" index="72" link="BG 16.1-3" link_text="BG 16.1-3">
<div class="heading">The householders should earn a livelihood by an honorable means and spend fifty percent of their income to propagate Kṛṣṇa consciousness all over the world.
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:BG 16.1-3 (1972)|BG 16.1-3, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">The next item is charity. Charity is meant for the householders. The householders should earn a livelihood by an honorable means and spend fifty percent of their income to propagate Kṛṣṇa consciousness all over the world. Thus a householder should give in charity to institutional societies that are engaged in that way. Charity should be given to the right receiver. There are different kinds of charity, as will be explained later on—charity in the modes of goodness, passion and ignorance. Charity in the mode of goodness is recommended by the scriptures, but charity in the modes of passion and ignorance is not recommended, because it is simply a waste of money. Charity should be given only to propagate Kṛṣṇa consciousness all over the world. That is charity in the mode of goodness.</p>
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<div id="Srimad-Bhagavatam" class="section" sec_index="1" parent="compilation" text="Srimad-Bhagavatam"><h2>Srimad-Bhagavatam</h2>
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<div id="SB_Canto_1" class="sub_section" sec_index="1" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam" text="SB Canto 1"><h3>SB Canto 1</h3>
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<div id="SB1536_0" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_1" book="SB" index="167" link="SB 1.5.36" link_text="SB 1.5.36">
<div class="heading">The major portion of our monetary income, not less than fifty percent, must be spent to carry out the order of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 1.5.36|SB 1.5.36, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">The major portion of our monetary income, not less than fifty percent, must be spent to carry out the order of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Not only should we give the profit of our earning to this cause, but we must also arrange to preach this cult of devotion to others because that is also one of the orders of the Lord. The Lord definitely says that no one is more dear to Him than one who is always engaged in the preaching work of the Lord's name and fame all over the world. The scientific discoveries of the material world can also be equally engaged in carrying out His order. He wants the message of the Bhagavad-gītā to be preached amongst His devotees. It may not be so done amongst those who have no credit of austerities, charity, education, etc. Therefore, the attempt must go on to convert unwilling men to become His devotees.</p>
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<div id="SB1536_1" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_1" book="SB" index="167" link="SB 1.5.36" link_text="SB 1.5.36">
<div class="heading">In this fallen age of quarrel and dissension, if only the leading and wealthy persons of society agree to spend fifty percent of their income in the service of the Lord, as it is taught by Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, there is absolute certainty of converting this hell of pandemonium to the transcendental abode of the Lord.
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 1.5.36|SB 1.5.36, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">Lord Caitanya has taught a very simple method in this connection. He has taught the lesson for preaching the transcendental message through singing, dancing and refreshment. As such, fifty percent of our income may be spent for this purpose. In this fallen age of quarrel and dissension, if only the leading and wealthy persons of society agree to spend fifty percent of their income in the service of the Lord, as it is taught by Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, there is absolute certainty of converting this hell of pandemonium to the transcendental abode of the Lord. No one will disagree to partake in a function where good singing, dancing and refreshment are administered. Everyone will attend such a function, and everyone is sure to feel individually the transcendental presence of the Lord. This alone will help the attendant associate with the Lord and thereby purify himself in spiritual realization. The only condition for successfully executing such spiritual activities is that they must be conducted under the guidance of a pure devotee who is completely free from all mundane desires, fruitive activities and dry speculations about the nature of the Lord.</p>
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<div id="SB11738_2" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_1" book="SB" index="685" link="SB 1.17.38" link_text="SB 1.17.38">
<div class="heading">The citizens of the state must give in charity up to fifty percent of their income for the purpose of creating a spiritual atmosphere in the state or in human society, both individually and collectively.
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 1.17.38|SB 1.17.38, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">The citizens of the state must give in charity up to fifty percent of their income for the purpose of creating a spiritual atmosphere in the state or in human society, both individually and collectively. They should preach the principles of Bhāgavatam by (a) karma-yoga, or doing everything for the satisfaction of the Lord, (b) regular hearing of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from authorized persons or realized souls, (c) chanting of the glories of the Lord congregationally at home or at places of worship, (d) rendering all kinds of service to bhāgavatas engaged in preaching Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and (e) residing in a place where the atmosphere is saturated with God consciousness. If the state is regulated by the above process, naturally there will be God consciousness everywhere.</p>
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<div id="SB_Canto_3" class="sub_section" sec_index="3" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam" text="SB Canto 3"><h3>SB Canto 3</h3>
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<div id="SB32131_0" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_3" book="SB" index="847" link="SB 3.21.31" link_text="SB 3.21.31">
<div class="heading">The householder should earn money by business or by profession and spend at least fifty percent of his income to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness; twenty-five percent he can spend for his family, and twenty-five percent he should save to meet emergencies.
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 3.21.31|SB 3.21.31, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">A person who is a householder but is initiated by a sannyāsī has the duty to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness at home; as far as possible, he should call his friends and neighbors to his house and hold classes in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Holding a class means chanting the holy name of Kṛṣṇa and speaking from Bhagavad-gītā or Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. There are immense literatures for spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and it is the duty of each and every householder to learn about Kṛṣṇa from his sannyāsī spiritual master. There is a division of labor in the Lord's service. The householder's duty is to earn money because a sannyāsī is not supposed to earn money but is completely dependent on the householder. The householder should earn money by business or by profession and spend at least fifty percent of his income to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness; twenty-five percent he can spend for his family, and twenty-five percent he should save to meet emergencies. This example was shown by Rūpa Gosvāmī, so devotees should follow it.</p>
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<div id="SB_Canto_5" class="sub_section" sec_index="5" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam" text="SB Canto 5"><h3>SB Canto 5</h3>
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<div id="SB5197_0" class="quote" parent="SB_Canto_5" book="SB" index="472" link="SB 5.19.7" link_text="SB 5.19.7">
<div class="heading">Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu had a very sincere devotee whose name was Kholāvecā Śrīdhara and whose only business was to sell pots made of the skin of banana trees. Whatever income he had, he used fifty percent for the worship of mother Ganges, and with the other fifty percent he provided for his necessities.
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:SB 5.19.7|SB 5.19.7, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">"Behold the great fortune of the devotee Kholāvecā. Lord Brahmā and Śiva shed tears upon seeing his greatness. One cannot attain Lord Kṛṣṇa by any amount of wealth, followers, or learning. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is controlled only by pure devotion." Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu had a very sincere devotee whose name was Kholāvecā Śrīdhara and whose only business was to sell pots made of the skin of banana trees. Whatever income he had, he used fifty percent for the worship of mother Ganges, and with the other fifty percent he provided for his necessities. On the whole, he was so very poor that he lived in a cottage that had a broken roof with many holes in it. He could not afford brass utensils, and therefore he drank water from an iron pot. Nevertheless, he was a great devotee of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. He is a typical example of how a poor man with no material possessions can become a most exalted devotee of the Lord. The conclusion is that one cannot attain shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa or Śrī Caitanya Gosāñi through material opulence; that shelter is attainable only by pure devotional service.</p>
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<div id="Sri_Caitanya-caritamrta" class="section" sec_index="2" parent="compilation" text="Sri Caitanya-caritamrta"><h2>Sri Caitanya-caritamrta</h2>
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<div id="CC_Adi-lila" class="sub_section" sec_index="1" parent="Sri_Caitanya-caritamrta" text="CC Adi-lila"><h3>CC Adi-lila</h3>
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<div id="CCAdi1067_0" class="quote" parent="CC_Adi-lila" book="CC" index="1322" link="CC Adi 10.67" link_text="CC Adi 10.67">
<div class="heading">Śrīdhara spent fifty percent of his income to worship the Ganges, and the balance he used for his subsistence.
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:CC Adi 10.67|CC Adi 10.67, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">Śrīdhara was a poor brāhmaṇa who made a living by selling banana-tree bark to be made into cups. Most probably he had a banana-tree garden and collected the leaves, skin and pulp of the banana trees to sell daily in the market. He spent fifty percent of his income to worship the Ganges, and the balance he used for his subsistence. When Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu started His civil disobedience movement in defiance of the Kazi, Śrīdhara danced in jubilation. The Lord used to drink water from his water jug. Śrīdhara presented a squash to Śacīdevī to cook before Lord Caitanya took sannyāsa. Every year he went to see Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu at Jagannātha Purī. According to Kavi-karṇapūra, Śrīdhara was a cowherd boy of Vṛndāvana whose name was Kusumāsava.</p>
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<div id="CC_Antya-lila" class="sub_section" sec_index="3" parent="Sri_Caitanya-caritamrta" text="CC Antya-lila"><h3>CC Antya-lila</h3>
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<div id="CCAntya3136_0" class="quote" parent="CC_Antya-lila" book="CC" index="524" link="CC Antya 3.136" link_text="CC Antya 3.136">
<div class="heading">When Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī retired from family life, he distributed fifty percent of his income to the brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas.
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:CC Antya 3.136|CC Antya 3.136, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">"Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform—do that, O son of Kuntī, as an offering to Me." Everything actually belongs to Kṛṣṇa, but so-called civilized men unfortunately think that everything belongs to them. This is the mistake of materialistic civilization. The prostitute (veśyā) had earned money by questionable means, and therefore Haridāsa Ṭhākura advised her to distribute to the brāhmaṇas whatever she possessed. When Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī retired from family life, he distributed fifty percent of his income to the brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas. A brāhmaṇa knows what the Absolute Truth is, and a Vaiṣṇava, knowing the Absolute Truth, acts on behalf of the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Generally one earns money by many questionable means. Therefore at some time one should retire and distribute whatever one has to the brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas who engage in devotional service by preaching the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.</p>
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<div id="Other_Books_by_Srila_Prabhupada" class="section" sec_index="3" parent="compilation" text="Other Books by Srila Prabhupada"><h2>Other Books by Srila Prabhupada</h2>
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<div id="Nectar_of_Devotion" class="sub_section" sec_index="1" parent="Other_Books_by_Srila_Prabhupada" text="Nectar of Devotion"><h3>Nectar of Devotion</h3>
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<div id="NOD1_0" class="quote" parent="Nectar_of_Devotion" book="OB" index="7" link="NOD 1" link_text="Nectar of Devotion 1">
<div class="heading">His income was almost nothing. Still, Kholāvecā Śrīdhara was spending fifty percent of his small income on the worship of the Ganges, and with the other fifty percent he was somehow living.
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:NOD 1|Nectar of Devotion 1]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">There was a great devotee of Lord Caitanya known as Kholāvecā Śrīdhara, who was a very poor man. He was doing a small business selling cups made from the leaves of plantain trees, and his income was almost nothing. Still, he was spending fifty percent of his small income on the worship of the Ganges, and with the other fifty percent he was somehow living. Lord Caitanya once revealed Himself to this confidential devotee, Kholāvecā Śrīdhara, and offered him any opulence he liked. But Śrīdhara informed the Lord that he did not want any material opulence. He was quite happy in his present position and wanted only to gain unflinching faith and devotion unto the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya. That is the position of pure devotees. If they can be engaged twenty-four hours each day in devotional service they do not want anything else, not even the happiness of liberation or of becoming one with the Supreme.</p>
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<div id="Nectar_of_Instruction" class="sub_section" sec_index="2" parent="Other_Books_by_Srila_Prabhupada" text="Nectar of Instruction"><h3>Nectar of Instruction</h3>
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<div id="NOI4_0" class="quote" parent="Nectar_of_Instruction" book="OB" index="5" link="NOI 4" link_text="Nectar of Instruction 4">
<div class="heading">According to the dadāti principle, an advanced devotee is supposed to spend at least fifty percent of his income on the service of the Lord and His devotees.
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:NOI 4|Nectar of Instruction 4, Purport]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="purport text"><p style="display: inline;">In this verse there is brief mention of the process of making loving transactions with the Supreme Personality of Godhead and making friends with the devotees. According to the dadāti principle, an advanced devotee is supposed to spend at least fifty percent of his income on the service of the Lord and His devotees. Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī has set such an example in his life. When he decided to retire, he distributed fifty percent of his life's earnings to Kṛṣṇa's service and twenty-five percent to his relatives and kept twenty-five percent for personal emergencies. This example should be followed by all devotees. Whatever one's income, fifty percent should be spent on behalf of Kṛṣṇa and His devotees, and this will fulfill the demands of dadāti.</p>
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<div id="Lectures" class="section" sec_index="4" parent="compilation" text="Lectures"><h2>Lectures</h2>
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<div id="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is_Lectures" class="sub_section" sec_index="0" parent="Lectures" text="Bhagavad-gita As It Is Lectures"><h3>Bhagavad-gita As It Is Lectures</h3>
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<div id="LectureonBG3610LosAngelesDecember231968_0" class="quote" parent="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is_Lectures" book="Lec" index="116" link="Lecture on BG 3.6-10 -- Los Angeles, December 23, 1968" link_text="Lecture on BG 3.6-10 -- Los Angeles, December 23, 1968">
<div class="heading">Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī's income was divided into four parts: fifty percent for Kṛṣṇa, twenty-five percent for the family and twenty-five percent for his personal reserve fund. He showed us example how a gṛhastha should live.
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 3.6-10 -- Los Angeles, December 23, 1968|Lecture on BG 3.6-10 -- Los Angeles, December 23, 1968]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">The prescription is for the gṛhasthas, for the householder, as exemplified by Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī that his income was divided into four parts. Fifty percent for Kṛṣṇa, twenty-five percent for the family and twenty-five percent for his personal reserve fund. That he showed us example how a gṛhastha should live. Not that out of hundred dollars, ninety-nine percent for my wife, and one percent for Kṛṣṇa. No. Not like that. One should sacrifice at least fifty percent. If he cannot sacrifice this... Brahmacārīs, sannyāsīs, they have sacrificed their everything, cent percent. The gṛhastha, they cannot do that. Because they have got wife, children. Therefore fifty percent.</p>
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<div id="LectureonBG3813NewYorkMay201966_1" class="quote" parent="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is_Lectures" book="Lec" index="117" link="Lecture on BG 3.8-13 -- New York, May 20, 1966" link_text="Lecture on BG 3.8-13 -- New York, May 20, 1966">
<div class="heading">If it is not possible to offer the whole thing to the Supreme, so at least one should offer 50% of his income for God's purpose. That is the example we get from these ācāryas.
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 3.8-13 -- New York, May 20, 1966|Lecture on BG 3.8-13 -- New York, May 20, 1966]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">So that was the system. We can see from great sages and ācāryas that whatever we earn... According to Bhagavad-gītā, it is said, yajñārthāt karmaṇo 'nyatra. Whatever you earn, yat karoṣi yaj juhoṣi. The result of your work should be offered to the Supreme. Now, if it is not possible to offer the whole thing to the Supreme, so at least one should offer 50% of his income for God's purpose. That is the example we get from these ācāryas. So 50% for God, 25%... Of course, the relatives, they expect something from the father or the chief of the family, some, I mean to say, gift. They expect something. But according to these ācārya rulings, the gift was only 25%, not that whatever money I have got, I leave to my family and go singlehanded to God. Ye yathā māṁ prapadyante tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmy aham ([[Vanisource:BG 4.11 (1972)|BG 4.11]]). If God asks you, "What you have sacrificed for Me? You have come to Me." "No Sir. I have sacrificed everything for my family. For my family." That is not good. That is not yajña. Yajña means... Now, if you cannot spare your money separately for God's service, then you can engage yourself in God's service and expend the money for God's service. Don't offer your money in other's hand, but you spend yourself for God's cause. That will make you perfect.</p>
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<div id="LectureonBG42434NewYorkAugust121966_2" class="quote" parent="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is_Lectures" book="Lec" index="190" link="Lecture on BG 4.24-34 -- New York, August 12, 1966" link_text="Lecture on BG 4.24-34 -- New York, August 12, 1966">
<div class="heading">You should give in charity for God's service fifty percent, and twenty-five percent you should spend for your family, dependents, and twenty-five percent you may have in a bank balance so that...
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 4.24-34 -- New York, August 12, 1966|Lecture on BG 4.24-34 -- New York, August 12, 1966]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Suppose you are earning $1,000 in a month. So according to Vedic instruction, you should give in charity fifty percent of your income. Five hundred dollars you should give in charity. And twenty-five percent you should spend for your family and twenty-five percent, as you are a family man, you may have it as bank balance so that in case of emergency you may require it. This is the prescription. Suppose you are earning $1,000 a month. You should give in charity for God's service fifty percent, and twenty-five percent you should spend for your family, dependents, and twenty-five percent you may have in a bank balance so that... This is the point. So yajña-dāna, this is also sacrifice, sacrifice.</p>
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<div id="LectureonBG42434NewYorkAugust121966_3" class="quote" parent="Bhagavad-gita_As_It_Is_Lectures" book="Lec" index="190" link="Lecture on BG 4.24-34 -- New York, August 12, 1966" link_text="Lecture on BG 4.24-34 -- New York, August 12, 1966">
<div class="heading">Now, out of 100 persons, seventy-five percent, they are engaged in the service of the Supreme Lord. The rest twenty-five percent who are gṛhasthas, they are meant for sacrificing fifty percent of their income for this seventy-five percent. That is the whole program of varṇāśrama-dharma.
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on BG 4.24-34 -- New York, August 12, 1966|Lecture on BG 4.24-34 -- New York, August 12, 1966]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Now, suppose if there are hundred person in a society, twenty-five percent students, twenty-five percent retired life, and twenty-five percent sannyāsa, renounced order of life. Now, out of 100 persons, seventy-five percent, they are engaged in the service of the Supreme Lord. The rest twenty-five percent who are gṛhasthas, they are meant for sacrificing fifty percent of their income for this seventy-five percent. That is the whole program of varṇāśrama-dharma. That is a kind of spiritual communism. Spiritual communism. For spiritual advancement of a society, the whole social order is so arranged that seventy-five percent of the people, they are engaged in the matter of spiritual advancement of knowledge and twenty-five percent of the population, those who are earning, those who in family life, those who have got factories, business and so many things, they should sacrifices fifty percent of their income for these seventy-five percent persons who are engaged in spiritual emancipation. So that is the whole program.</p>
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<div id="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" class="sub_section" sec_index="1" parent="Lectures" text="Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures"><h3>Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures</h3>
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<div id="LectureonSB129VrndavanaOctober201972_0" class="quote" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" book="Lec" index="54" link="Lecture on SB 1.2.9 -- Vrndavana, October 20, 1972" link_text="Lecture on SB 1.2.9 -- Vrndavana, October 20, 1972">
<div class="heading">If you cannot dedicate your life immediately, then spend fifty percent of your income for Kṛṣṇa.
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<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 1.2.9 -- Vrndavana, October 20, 1972|Lecture on SB 1.2.9 -- Vrndavana, October 20, 1972]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">So everyone can serve Kṛṣṇa. Prāṇair arthair dhiyā vācā śreya-ācaraṇaṁ sadā. Either with your life, either with your money, either with your intelligence, either with your, with your words. You can serve Kṛṣṇa. Any way. Kṛṣṇa service is not checked. Ahaituky apratihatā. It cannot be checked. In any condition of life you can serve Kṛṣṇa. The first thing is that if you can dedicate your life, that is very good. Just like you have done. You have dedicated your life for spreading this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. That is first class, prāṇaiḥ. If you cannot dedicate your life immediately, then spend fifty percent of your income for Kṛṣṇa. Prāṇair arthaiḥ. If you think you have no money, then prāṇair arthair dhiyā, by your intelligence. If you have got some knowledge, write some books and spread it, Kṛṣṇa consciousness. And if you have no education, no money and you cannot dedicate your life, then you can spend your vacana. Vācā. Prāṇair arthair dhiyā vācā. What is the vācā? Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and tell everyone, "Please chant Hare Kṛṣṇa." Where is the difficulty? You can serve Kṛṣṇa in any condition of life. But don't be miser. If you think that you have got one crores of rupees, so Kṛṣṇa says, vācā. "Let the bank balance remain for my children, and I go to Vṛndāvana and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa." No. That is called vitta-sārtha. If you have got money, you must spend money. Not that "Money is for my children and wife, and I come to Vṛndāvana and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa." There are many such retired persons here. They leave the money for their relatives, and come here with a... Of course, that is good. But Kṛṣṇa is very intelligent. Kṛṣṇa wants to know where you have kept your money. (laughter) He inquires, "You kept your money for your children and you have come to love Me with your beads?" No. (laughter) Kṛṣṇa is very intelligent. Kṛṣṇa wants that "Whatever you have got, you have to utilize for Me."</p>
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<div id="LectureonSB102235BombayMarch191971_1" class="quote" parent="Srimad-Bhagavatam_Lectures" book="Lec" index="868" link="Lecture on SB 10.22.35 -- Bombay, March 19, 1971" link_text="Lecture on SB 10.22.35 -- Bombay, March 19, 1971">
<div class="heading">According to our Gosvāmī's program, everyone should sacrifice fifty percent of his income for Kṛṣṇa.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Lecture on SB 10.22.35 -- Bombay, March 19, 1971|Lecture on SB 10.22.35 -- Bombay, March 19, 1971]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">So I do not wish to take much of your time, you are all busy men. And I thank you very much that you have come. And we require your cooperation, prāṇair arthair dhiyā vācā. Somebody should dedicate his life for this great movement, Kṛṣṇa consciousness. So these American boys, European boys, and there are some Indians also, they have dedicated their life for this purpose—to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Similarly, if one cannot dedicate his life, then he should dedicate his money as far as possible. According to our Gosvāmī's program, everyone should sacrifice fifty percent of his income for Kṛṣṇa. And Gosvāmī, Rūpa Gosvāmī' actually did it. It doesn't matter whether your income is five lakhs per month or five rupees per month. You should sacrifice the major portion of your income to the Supreme. If the government has got right to exact income tax from you, has not Kṛṣṇa the right to exact income tax? He is supplying you so many things. Government, what government is supplying? Kṛṣṇa is supplying you sunlight. Kṛṣṇa is supplying you moonlight. Kṛṣṇa is supplying you air. Kṛṣṇa is supplying you food. Nityo nityānāṁ cetanaś cetanānām eko bahūnāṁ yo vidadhāti kāmān (Kaṭha Upaniṣad 2.2.13). Kṛṣṇa is fulfilling all your desires. And don't you like to give Him some tax? (laughter) (aside:) Don't laugh.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="Nectar_of_Devotion_Lectures" class="sub_section" sec_index="2" parent="Lectures" text="Nectar of Devotion Lectures"><h3>Nectar of Devotion Lectures</h3>
</div>
<div id="TheNectarofDevotionVrndavanaOctober161972_0" class="quote" parent="Nectar_of_Devotion_Lectures" book="Lec" index="2" link="The Nectar of Devotion -- Vrndavana, October 16, 1972" link_text="The Nectar of Devotion -- Vrndavana, October 16, 1972">
<div class="heading">We try to follow these principles laid down by Rūpa Gosvāmī, that fifty percent for Kṛṣṇa or Kṛṣṇa's devotees, twenty-five percent for personal emergencies and twenty-five percent for the dependent relatives.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:The Nectar of Devotion -- Vrndavana, October 16, 1972|The Nectar of Devotion -- Vrndavana, October 16, 1972]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">In this connection, we may inform that our disciples in Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, those who are gṛhasthas, they contribute at least fifty percent of their income. Yes. Most of them, they are full-time engaged. But if one cannot be whole time engaged... Just like we, we have got our disciple, Professor Howard Wheeler. He gives more than fifty percent of his income for developing our New Vrindaban scheme. So we try to follow these principles laid down by Rūpa Gosvāmī, that fifty percent for Kṛṣṇa or Kṛṣṇa's devotees, twenty-five percent for personal emergencies and twenty-five percent for the dependent relatives.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" class="section" sec_index="5" parent="compilation" text="Conversations and Morning Walks"><h2>Conversations and Morning Walks</h2>
</div>
<div id="1975_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" class="sub_section" sec_index="8" parent="Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1975 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1975 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3>
</div>
<div id="MorningWalkFebruary31975Hawaii_0" class="quote" parent="1975_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="2" link="Morning Walk -- February 3, 1975, Hawaii" link_text="Morning Walk -- February 3, 1975, Hawaii">
<div class="heading">Follow the instruction. That is required.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Morning Walk -- February 3, 1975, Hawaii|Morning Walk -- February 3, 1975, Hawaii]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Jayatīrtha: Say I have some outside job, I'm living outside, but I'm not giving 50% of my income. So then that work that I'm doing, is it actually under the authority of the guru?</p>
<p>Prabhupāda: Then you are not following the instruction of guru. That is plain fact.</p>
<p>Jayatīrtha: So that means that whole activity during the day, working, that means I am not following the instruction of the guru. It's unauthorized activity.</p>
<p>Prabhupāda: Yes. If you don't follow the instruction of guru, then you are fallen down immediately. That is the way. Otherwise why you sing, yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo. It is my duty to satisfy guru. Otherwise I am nowhere. So if you prefer to be nowhere, then you disobey as you like. But if you want to be steady in your position, then you have to follow strictly the instruction of guru.</p>
<p>Devotee (1): We can understand all of your instructions simply by reading your books.</p>
<p>Prabhupāda: Yes. Anyway, follow the instruction. That is required. Follow the instruction. Wherever you remain, it doesn't matter. You are secure. Follow the instruction. Then you are secure anywhere.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="1976_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" class="sub_section" sec_index="9" parent="Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1976 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1976 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3>
</div>
<div id="MorningWalkDecember301976Bombay_0" class="quote" parent="1976_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="363" link="Morning Walk -- December 30, 1976, Bombay" link_text="Morning Walk -- December 30, 1976, Bombay">
<div class="heading">Those who are in sense, gṛhasthas, they must give in charity, at least fifty percent of their income.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Morning Walk -- December 30, 1976, Bombay|Morning Walk -- December 30, 1976, Bombay]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Prabhupāda: This yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-karma, even if you are very exalted, still, it will purify you more, these things. Yajño dānaṁ tapaś caiva pāvanāni manīṣiṇām. In any condition of life these things cannot be given up. So those who are in sense, gṛhasthas, they must give in charity, at least fifty percent of their income. That was shown by Rūpa Gosvāmī. He, fifty percent. Dānam means not to the daridra-nārāyaṇa. Dānam means to the brāhmaṇa, Vaiṣṇava.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="MorningWalkDecember301976Bombay_1" class="quote" parent="1976_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="363" link="Morning Walk -- December 30, 1976, Bombay" link_text="Morning Walk -- December 30, 1976, Bombay">
<div class="heading">People should give at least fifty percent of their income to this movement. Twenty-five percent to the family and twenty-five percent let him keep for himself in case of emergency.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Morning Walk -- December 30, 1976, Bombay|Morning Walk -- December 30, 1976, Bombay]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Prabhupāda: In our śāstra charity is recommended to be given to the high-class men, brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas. They know how to spend money. Therefore dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ tad dānaṁ sāttvikam ucyate. Just like this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, they are appreciating. So all the charity should come here. Then it is properly utilized. Because we do not use a single paisa for anything of sense gratification. We do not even smoke, we do not take tea, we lie down on the floor. Not a single paisa is spent for our sense gratification. Everything is utilized for Kṛṣṇa. Therefore all charity should come here. Properly spent. But if we misspend, that is our fault. Single paisa we spend for our sense gratification, that is fault of us. And people should give at least fifty percent of their income to this movement. Twenty-five percent to the family and twenty-five percent let him keep for himself in case of emergency. This is the example shown by Rūpa Gosvāmī.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="1977_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" class="sub_section" sec_index="10" parent="Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" text="1977 Conversations and Morning Walks"><h3>1977 Conversations and Morning Walks</h3>
</div>
<div id="RoomConversationFebruary121977Mayapura_0" class="quote" parent="1977_Conversations_and_Morning_Walks" book="Con" index="83" link="Room Conversation -- February 12, 1977, Mayapura" link_text="Room Conversation -- February 12, 1977, Mayapura">
<div class="heading">He can become devotee. He can spare fifty percent of his income. Then he becomes a devotee.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Room Conversation -- February 12, 1977, Mayapura|Room Conversation -- February 12, 1977, Mayapura]]: </span><div class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Jayapatākā: Gradually, more and more, we're getting more devotees who can work in the agriculture. But to date, most of the people that join are either the handloomers or... We're getting mostly handloomers and to some extent some more learned, more educated boys.</p>
<p>Prabhupāda: Not labor class.</p>
<p>Jayapatākā: Not labor class. But we need them also for translation and other things. So to make up the gap them we had to hire. But that's lessened... Now we're getting also. Some labor class are joining.</p>
<p>Prabhupāda: So hire. That also he can become devotee. He can spare fifty percent of his income. Then he becomes a devotee. Hiring men and working, I don't think that will be very profitable. Then we can purchase from the market.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="Correspondence" class="section" sec_index="6" parent="compilation" text="Correspondence"><h2>Correspondence</h2>
</div>
<div id="1968_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="3" parent="Correspondence" text="1968 Correspondence"><h3>1968 Correspondence</h3>
</div>
<div id="LettertoAdvaitaLosAngeles21January1968_0" class="quote" parent="1968_Correspondence" book="Let" index="26" link="Letter to Advaita -- Los Angeles 21 January, 1968" link_text="Letter to Advaita -- Los Angeles 21 January, 1968">
<div class="heading">Brahmacaris are dedicated their life and everything but the householder should spare at least 50% of income for the society. That is the standard distribution of money example set by our predecessors.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Advaita -- Los Angeles 21 January, 1968|Letter to Advaita -- Los Angeles 21 January, 1968]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">I am in due receipt of your letter dated Jan. 17, 1968, and I quite approve your planning on becoming a householder, and at the same time serve the cause of our society. A Krishna Conscious member even though he is a householder may spend at least 50% of his income for the society. The Brahmacaris are dedicated their life and everything but the householder should spare at least 50% of income for the society. That is the standard distribution of money example set by our predecessors, Srila Rupa Goswami, and Srila Sanatana Goswami. We may try to follow the footprints of our predecessors. Srila Rupa Goswami used to distribute his money as follows: 50% for Krishna, 25% for relatives, and 25% for personal emergency expenditures. I think this is very nice.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="LettertoMukundaAllstonMass6May1968_1" class="quote" parent="1968_Correspondence" book="Let" index="160" link="Letter to Mukunda -- Allston, Mass 6 May, 1968" link_text="Letter to Mukunda -- Allston, Mass 6 May, 1968">
<div class="heading">Whenever you are able to do so, then contribute 50% of your income to the temple.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Mukunda -- Allston, Mass 6 May, 1968|Letter to Mukunda -- Allston, Mass 6 May, 1968]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">That is all right, whenever you are able to do so, then contribute 50% of your income to the temple.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="1970_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="5" parent="Correspondence" text="1970 Correspondence"><h3>1970 Correspondence</h3>
</div>
<div id="LettertoSyamasundaraLosAngeles25February1970_0" class="quote" parent="1970_Correspondence" book="Let" index="124" link="Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 25 February, 1970" link_text="Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 25 February, 1970">
<div class="heading">If George is actually prepared to spend 50% of his income, and thus become a typical example to other European householders, then I shall be able to give him a plan for organizing this asrama so much so that it will be very, very attractive to everyone.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 25 February, 1970|Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 25 February, 1970]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">Regarding the castle which George has acquired, certainly it can be turned to a nice Krsna Consciousness asrama, and you can help him your best in the same pattern as you have developed our 7 Bury Place. But I do not know whether George will like to install Radha Krsna Murtis in that asrama. In case he likes to do so, then you and your wife, Malati, will have to take care of the Deities as nicely as possible. I do not know in which way George wants to conduct this asrama, and on hearing from you further on this subject, I can give you nice plans. Our general plan is always the same—chanting, dancing and distributing Prasadam. This program can be reduced or enhanced according to one's financial equipment. If George is actually prepared to spend 50% of his income, and thus become a typical example to other European householders, then I shall be able to give him a plan for organizing this asrama so much so that it will be very, very attractive to everyone.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="LettertoHayagrivaLosAngeles19March1970_1" class="quote" parent="1970_Correspondence" book="Let" index="182" link="Letter to Hayagriva -- Los Angeles 19 March, 1970" link_text="Letter to Hayagriva -- Los Angeles 19 March, 1970">
<div class="heading">As I recommend to every householder, if you spend 50% of your income for Krishna's business in developing New Vrindaban, and a similar amount is collected by Kirtanananda Maharaja, I think there will be no need of financial help from other centers.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Hayagriva -- Los Angeles 19 March, 1970|Letter to Hayagriva -- Los Angeles 19 March, 1970]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">At present, you patiently work there and get as much money as possible for developing New Vrindaban. As I recommend to every householder, if you spend 50% of you income for Krishna's business in developing New Vrindaban, and a similar amount is collected by Kirtanananda Maharaja, I think there will be no need of financial help from other centers. I have inquired yesterday of Gargamuni whether he has any response to his appeal for money to other centers, and he said there was none. So I don't think other centers will be able to help another center for developing. Each center has to manage its own affair independently.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="1971_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="6" parent="Correspondence" text="1971 Correspondence"><h3>1971 Correspondence</h3>
</div>
<div id="LettertoUmapatiLosAngeles9July1971_0" class="quote" parent="1971_Correspondence" book="Let" index="295" link="Letter to Umapati -- Los Angeles 9 July, 1971" link_text="Letter to Umapati -- Los Angeles 9 July, 1971">
<div class="heading">If you are unable to give 50% of your income, then who is pressing you? It is voluntary. If you have not got any means, then who is exacting you?
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Umapati -- Los Angeles 9 July, 1971|Letter to Umapati -- Los Angeles 9 July, 1971]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">And if you are unable to give 50% of your income, then who is pressing you? It is voluntary. If you have not got any means, then who is exacting you? So these things are specifically happening to you, not to others. There are so many grhasthas and they are not feeling any inconvenience. They have dedicated their lives to the service of the Lord. And most GBC members are householders. You also may be elected. The position is open to all grhasthas. But if you live separately with your wife and earn only for yourself and your wife, then how you expect to have a good position with the society? Everybody is earning for their wife and family, so if you are doing so also, then what is the difference between such endeavor and that of the karmi?</p>
<p>There are many grhasthas who are earning and spending for a particular center. Similarly you also can open a center, live separately as president and maintain the temple nicely. But if you don't do anything and simply remain grhastha, then what is the use of criticizing others? The whole movement is meant for rendering service.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="1975_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="10" parent="Correspondence" text="1975 Correspondence"><h3>1975 Correspondence</h3>
</div>
<div id="LettertoMahajanaLosAngeles23June1975_0" class="quote" parent="1975_Correspondence" book="Let" index="356" link="Letter to Mahajana -- Los Angeles 23 June, 1975" link_text="Letter to Mahajana -- Los Angeles 23 June, 1975">
<div class="heading">Now I have given the guideline that 50% of a householder's income should be donated to the temple.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Mahajana -- Los Angeles 23 June, 1975|Letter to Mahajana -- Los Angeles 23 June, 1975]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">As far as this matter is concerned, it is my desire that you consult your local Governing Body Commissioner Jayatirtha das. Now I am desiring more and more to have time for translating my books, not that I have to become involved in every question. For this reason I have installed the GBC. Now I have given the guideline that 50% of a householder's income should be donated to the temple. If there is any disagreement, it may be taken up with Jayatirtha.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="1976_Correspondence" class="sub_section" sec_index="11" parent="Correspondence" text="1976 Correspondence"><h3>1976 Correspondence</h3>
</div>
<div id="LettertoBalabhadraHonolulu9May1976_0" class="quote" parent="1976_Correspondence" book="Let" index="264" link="Letter to Balabhadra -- Honolulu 9 May, 1976" link_text="Letter to Balabhadra -- Honolulu 9 May, 1976">
<div class="heading">If possible you can try to follow the formula recommended practically by Srila Rupa Goswami, that 50% of one's income be spent for propagating Krishna Consciousness. That will be very nice, and then your business endeavours will surely be pleasing unto the Supreme Lord.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Balabhadra -- Honolulu 9 May, 1976|Letter to Balabhadra -- Honolulu 9 May, 1976]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">I thank you for your kind offering of some of the honey you produce at your honey farm. As you know, I have requested the devotees here to construct one beautiful temple on the grounds in order that many people may come from all around and see the gorgeous worship of the Deities. It is a big project and will require so much capital. So if possible you can try to follow the formula recommended practically by Srila Rupa Goswami, that 50% of one's income be spent for propagating Krishna Consciousness. That will be very nice, and then your business endeavours will surely be pleasing unto the Supreme Lord, as stated in the Srimad-Bhagavatam:</p>
:atah pumbhir dvija srestha
:varnasrama vibhagasah,
:svanusthi tasya dharmasya
:samsiddhir hari tosanam
:([[Vanisource:SB 1.2.13|SB 1.2.13]])
<p>"O best among the twiceborn, it is therefore concluded that the highest perfection one can achieve, by discharging his prescribed duties (dharma) according to caste divisions and order of life, is to please the Lord Hari."</p>
</div>
</div>
<div id="LettertoBrahmanandaHonolulu18May1976_1" class="quote" parent="1976_Correspondence" book="Let" index="283" link="Letter to Brahmananda -- Honolulu 18 May, 1976" link_text="Letter to Brahmananda -- Honolulu 18 May, 1976">
<div class="heading">You can inform the Mr. Motichand Shah, the gentleman who has started "Krishna Industries," that he can pay at least 50% of his income to the temple.
</div>
<span class="link">[[Vanisource:Letter to Brahmananda -- Honolulu 18 May, 1976|Letter to Brahmananda -- Honolulu 18 May, 1976]]: </span><div style="display: inline;" class="text"><p style="display: inline;">You can inform the Mr. Motichand Shah, the gentleman who has started "Krishna Industries," that he can pay at least 50% of his income to the temple. If he wants to serve Krishna and he doesn't spend anything for Krishna, then it is not at all good.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>