Few Money Lessons from Lord Ganesha

In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha holds the unique distinction of being the “Prathama Pujaya”, meaning the first lord to be worshipped. Every occasion or religious ceremony starts with the worship of Lord Ganesha. In India, and especially in Maharashtra, the 10 days of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations mark joy, fervour and optimism for the future. We will find almost every home/office/shops adorned with an idol of Ganesha because of the eternal lessons that Lord Ganesha offers. Let us learns some important Money Lessons from Lord Ganesha:

 1. Listen everything but be focussed in Mind 

When we plan our finances, there are two important points. Firstly we must get the bigger picture right and then move on the investment plan in an organized manner. In the financial markets, listening to different viewpoints is the best way to get the bigger picture before taking decision. Lord Ganesh’s large ears embody the willingness to listen while his small and keen eyes embody a mind that is absolutely focused on the goal. When it comes to financial planning, we need to thoroughly weigh all the options but once the decision is made, we must channelize all our energies to focus on the goal. That is what Lord Ganesha teaches us.

2. Flexibility & Adjustments

Ganesha is also known as Vakratunda- the one with a curved trunk. His trunk is very strong but is also very flexible and can pickup very small things also. Similarly as an investor if a new opportunity knocks on the door, we need to make adjustments to reap additional benefits. We should regularly review our portfolio and keep looking for better opportunities. We should be flexible in terms of asset diversification, timeline adjustments and the amount of investment based n circumstances.

3. Have thirst for knowledge

Lord Ganesha is believed to have documented Mahabharata with great speed and clarity  this represents the highest levels of intellectual curiosity. Similarly we should remember the biggest investment is in knowledge and self improvement. That is an important lesson in the dynamic world of financial markets. Many variables/indicators keep on changing which means that we need to keep on expanding our knowledge base and incorporating new ideas and techniques. That is only possible with a thirst for knowledge. It is this thirst for knowledge and intellectual curiosity that can empower us to manage your investments and finances in better way. Keep learning about new investment products, new investment ideas, new methods to achieve financial goals.

4. Take Calculated risk

Risk taking is a must because without risk there is no return. The sumptuous belly of Lord Ganesha represents the risk appetite. It also represents the need to know the difference between risk appetite and risk capacity. The particular instance when Lord Ganesha circum-ambulates his parents (Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati) as representative of the universe is a classic instance of letting your head rule over your heart. Lord Ganesha teaches investors to measure their actions by their risk capacity and to be driven by clear analysis.

5. Be Humble

Despite being supreme power Ganesh have a little mouse as his vehicle. It is always at his feet. Here Ganesha tells us to keep our temptations and desires in control. When we manage to get a few investment ideas right the immediate response is to become supremely confident. Lord Ganesha constantly reminds us the lessons of humility. As it ever happens, if not kept in check, a tiny mouse can bring the house down.

Lord Ganesha’s Visarjan on tenth day (on Annant Chaturdashi) also teaches us an important lesson that all good things are ephemeral. The message is Good times don’t last forever but good ideas and strategies does.

This year as we celebrate the joys of Ganesh Chaturthi, Let us also spend a moment to reflect on the important Money and life lessons of Lord Ganesha.