We all know the story of Krishna and Sudama a classic tale of unconditional love and devotion. When you surrender yourself to the Divine, the Divine surrenders to you; love and respect always flow both ways.
Sudama loved his Keshav beyond measure. But in his devotional trance, he forgot a basic truth: to love Keshav and keep this body going, you have to nurture it. And nurturing the body requires Lakshmi – wealth, resources, and material sustenance.
Working to earn a living while honouring the Divine is your fundamental Dharma. Fulfilling this duty is what balances your Karma, especially as a homemaker or provider.
Think about Sudama’s journey to Dwarka. When he finally visited Krishna, he was too humble and overwhelmed to ask for help. Yet, he returned home to find his poverty wiped away. Why? Because the Divine already knows our needs and wants, but grace responds to action. God helps those who help themselves. Sudama walking all those miles for his family’s well-being was the effort required to unlock that grace.
What often gets overlooked in this story is the vital role of Lakshmi. Just as there is no Shiva without Shakti, there is no Keshav without Lakshmi.
True spirituality doesn’t ask you to renounce the world or look down on money. Swami Vivekananda often reminded us that you cannot teach religion to an empty stomach. Spirituality teaches us to respect Lakshmi and celebrate her presence alongside the Divine. The key is keeping your foundation rooted in humility, kindness, and a clear distinction between your needs and your wants.
In today’s world, we have let wants completely swallow needs.
FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) drives almost everything we do. Whether it’s spiritual practices, travel, homes, or cars, if someone else has it, we suddenly want twice as much. We have turned even spirituality into a competitive sport.
Sudama’s story isn’t a call to live in lack or abandon the material world on a spiritual path. It is a reminder to work, respect money without becoming consumed by greed, and take real steps toward your goals while keeping your heart grounded in love. Honour Lakshmi in your life, but keep Keshav in your heart.