“Light the lamp of morality in your hearts. Only then can you lead a true human life. Morality alone can confer health and wealth on man. Man should lead his life with morality as the basis. He should recognize the truth that human life is meant to uphold morality.” This is what Baba advised on one occasion and instances like this are galore. Often Swami has stressed that “Morality in Society” along with “Love for God” and “Fear of Sin” constitute true spirituality. And if the world has to be put back on its rails, Morality and moral use of money are of vital importance.

In the present quiz, we have culled a few practical guidelines given by Swami over the years in His innumerable discourses which could help us to ensure that our lives are governed by morality and not money.

 

1. During a Divine Discourse in 1989, Swami elaborated on the foundation of all religions and said: “For all religions the foundation is morality. If morality declines, humanness will decline together with the eclipse of religion. Morality is the basis of right conduct. Whether it is the State, the society or the individual, the basis for all of them is morality. When morality goes, all the three will be undermined. All prosperity and happiness are based on moral strength. It is to make man realize the value of the ethical life that religions came into being.”

According to Swami, “Religion aims at promoting the harmony of body, intellect and mind through ______________ which represents morality”.

A. Being devoted to one’s faith .
B. Righteous conduct.
C.Courteous behaviour amongst citizens.
D.Serving elders.

2. In a Divine Discourse in 1990, Swami teaches us how to uphold morality: “It is only morality and integrity, which entitle human beings to be respected. Only by adhering to the spiritual path can human qualities be promoted. They will not flourish in other conditions. A seed will sprout and grow into a plant only if you sow it in proper soil and water it. It will not grow in a tin can; it will only rot. Morality and integrity can grow only from the human mind. Morality is the basis for all human qualities. Good behaviour is based on one's morals. Morality elevates man to the highest stage.”

According to Swami, what is one of the best methods of upholding morality?

A. Keeping good company.
B. Admiring the good in others.
C. Having self-control.
D. Constant focusing on one’s goals.

3. In a Divine Discourse in 1991, Swami teaches us the four goals of human life: “Every country develops its own system of Vijnana (knowledge). But in all systems there are certain good traits that are common like morality, character, truth, sacrifice and forbearance. The progress of knowledge in the world is determined by the progress of Dharma (righteousness). The well-being and advancement of a country depend on the combined progress of Dharma and Vijnana.”

According to Swami, the four goals of every human life (purusharthas) are: righteousness, material prosperity, desires and liberation. In order to attain genuine happiness in life, which of the four is the most important?

A. Righteousness
B. Material prosperity
C. Desires
D. Liberation

4. In a Divine Discourse delivered in 1988, Swami explains how the advancement in modern technological inventions have led people to spend unnecessary money at the cost of a decline in their morality: “Science and technology have made great advances in recent years and have a prominent place in education. It is true that science has helped to improve the conditions of living. But the harm it is doing outweighs the benefits. Man has lost peace of mind and the sense of security. The growth of videos, radios, television, cinemas and air travel has been stupendous.

“But there is no sign in any growth in 'Divine vision', with the result that daily life is becoming more precarious. Morality and justice have declined. This must be ascribed mainly to the craze for acquiring modern scientific gadgets.”

According to Swami, what is one of the main causes for the fall in moral standards, even among professionals like doctors, lawyers, etc.?

A. Lack of spiritual knowledge.
B. Lack of business skills.
C. Laziness.
D. Ostentation.

5. In a Divine Discourse delivered in 1991, Swami warns us of the four entities that can take away one’s wealth that is ill-gotten: “Money earned by unworthy means is nothing but dust. That wealth will not be of use to you. Hoarding wealth is of no avail. Ill-gotten wealth is not truly yours. There are four covetous elements waiting to get at it. The first entity is the Government. In the name of some tax or law, the Government will make a raid on the hoarded wealth. The second entity is fire, somehow or other fire reaches the ill-gotten wealth and destroys it. The third entity is a thief. The thief is after secreted wealth. Somehow he tries to steal it.”

According to Swami, what is that fourth entity that one should be wary of?

A. Being sued!
B. Imposters posing as friends.
C. Losses in investments.
D. Diseases

6. In a Divine Discourse delivered in 1986, Swami promotes the need for more moral leaders: “Only the wealth or name that is acquired by righteous and honest means will be enduring and praiseworthy. Money that is earned by improper and immoral ways can confer neither peace nor happiness. The pursuit of money as an end in itself is making people greedy and excessively commercially minded. Many farmers are switching over to money crops to earn more money. This is not the kind of management we should have. We should be concerned with 'Man Management'. The proper study of mankind is man.

“Men should learn to be pure in thought, word and deed. This is the highest virtue. We do not want slogan-writers and platform orators and 'yellow' journalists. We want leaders who will be persons of integrity and character. The aim of management institutes should be to produce such leaders. Their courses should be based on Indian culture and values.”

According to Swami, what can be the result of work done by such sincere and moral leaders?

A . It can bring credit to the country.
B. It can attract other wealthy people.
C. It creates awareness in youth to be active and productive.
D. Other countries can also become prosperous.

7. During a Divine Discourse, Swami explains the four moral methods of putting our earnings to use: “Our ancients laid down four avenues for the utilization of wealth or earnings. One fourth should be used for personal use and for supporting the family. Another fourth should be used for charitable and religious purposes. A third quarter should be spent on other living things like animals, birds, etc. The remaining fourth should be offered for supporting the State. It is only when one's wealth is utilized in this manner will it be really beneficial and meaningful. Today many persons give money for charitable purposes. But the reason for their action is to reduce the burden of taxes in one way or another.

“Misuse of money is a great evil. Wealth must be used only for good purposes. Money is capable of leading man to any place, good or bad. Hence he should take care to see that wealth does not lead him to bad ways, or bring a bad name to this great country.”

What is one of the methods that Swami suggests which can channel one’s earnings towards ‘seva’?

A. Locking up a certain percentage of earnings in a Bank.
B. Allocating a certain block of time during the week to serve others.
C. Reducing amenities required for comfortable living.
D. Seeking guidance from one’s Guru.

8. In a Divine Discourse delivered in 1981, Swami explains the various problems that money can bring upon us: “Man has been enslaved by money. He lives a superficial, hollow, artificial life. This is indeed a great pity. Man should seek to possess only as much money as is most essential for his living. The quantity of riches one must own can be compared to the shoes one wears; if too small, they cause pain; if too big, they are a hindrance while walking. Money too has to be with us only just enough for a life of physical and mental comfort. When we have more, it breeds pride, sloth and contempt for others. In pursuit of money, man descends to the level of the beast.”

According to Swami, “Money is of the nature of _________”

A. Butter
B. Garbage
C. Sugar
D. Manure

9. In a Divine Discourse delivered in 2001, Swami enlightens us with the real meaning of ‘MAN’: “Man is wasting his precious life in the pursuit of ephemeral pleasures. He is unable to understand his own value. He is attaching value to Dhana (money) and not to Guna (character). He is dedicating his life to attain selfish goals ignoring his innate value and character. Man has been able to accomplish mighty tasks, but he is yet to experience Atmic bliss. Human birth is meant to experience Atmic bliss. This truth is contained in the three letters ‘M-A-N’, which stand for overcoming the Maya (illusion) experiencing the vision of the Atma and__________. Ignoring such an eternal truth, man is leading an unsacred life."

A. Becoming Noble.
B. Neutralizing karmas.
C. Attaining Nirvana.
D. Earning a reputable Name.

10.In a Divine Discourse delivered in 2001, Swami uses the example of money to teach us how to win God’s Grace: “How can you attain God’s grace? Here is a small example. You toiled hard, earned money and deposited it in a bank for safety and security. No doubt that money belongs to you, but the Bank Manager will not give it to you on your mere asking for it. There are certain rules and regulations for the withdrawal of money from the bank. You can withdraw the money only when you sign the cheque and surrender it to the Bank Manager. Likewise, you have deposited the ‘money’ of meritorious deeds with God, the Divine Bank Manager.”

After depositing the ‘money’ of meritorious deeds with God, what kind of signature does Swami teach us to use to withdraw this money?

A. The signature of Love.
B. The signature of Service.
C. The signature of Honesty.
D. The signature of Humility.

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- Heart2Heart Team