Geethartha Chinthane 129: Eye on Ownership!

If one understands that “nothing is mine; everything belongs to God,” no problem arises. Even God may wonder, “I sent him (the soul) to live for a while and achieve something, but why does he claim it as his own?”

God is not displeased if a person uses resources and enjoys their results. But it is human nature to seek ownership. The act of traveling is what matters, not the ownership of the vehicle. Whose car it is shouldn’t concern us. However, the human mind doesn’t remain calm; it craves ownership. If one accepts that everything is under God’s ownership, there is no issue.

Refusing to acknowledge His or anyone else’s ownership is the root cause of sorrow. If one truly understands “Ishavasyam Idam Sarvam” (everything belongs to God), then it makes no difference whether something is considered ours or His. Why then should we steal? If we ask the rightful owner, they may give not just one but ten times over. This principle applies to God as well.

However, humans derive happiness in stealing and consuming. The thief wonders, “Why should the owner be angry if I eat just one thing?” while the owner fears, “How much more has he eaten?” Does God consume what is offered to Him? No. Instead, we can enjoy anything while acknowledging that everything belongs to Him!

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