Almost every week, headlines reveal the government recovering millions of ringgit earned through ill-gotten means.
Reading these troubling realities often makes us uneasy as we see how some people have amassed a fortune through unscrupulous means.
The pursuit of wealth, so frequently equated with success, can sometimes come at the cost of integrity and ethics.
We live in a society where affluence is often seen as the ultimate measure of achievement, and we rarely pause to question the methods used to attain it.
Designer clothes, huge bungalows and mansions, and flashy cars can create the illusion of a life well-lived. But what happens when these luxuries are built on a foundation of dishonesty?
For some, the hunt for opulence overshadows the ethical cost of accumulating prosperity illegally.
When you look beyond the glittering surface of deceitful luck, a stark truth emerges—an unrelenting fear of exposure, the looming threat of legal consequences, and a deep void where inner peace should reside.
History has shown that possessions acquired through corrupt means never bring lasting happiness.
The ongoing 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal is a stark reminder of this truth. A former prime minister’s once-glorious legacy is now reduced to disgrace, and his family faces severe legal and reputational consequences.
These recurring dishonours are a stark reminder that achievement built on corruption or exploitation is not a victory—it’s a betrayal of trust and a disservice to the collective good.
It’s time to redefine true victory, valuing the destination and the path we take to get there.
Across all traditions, spirituality offers reflective insights into the nature of riches and the importance of legitimacy.
The principle of “rightful living” is central to all religions. It urges individuals to earn their living in ways that do not harm others.
I am deeply grateful to my parents for instilling the values of truthful living from a young age. These values have become the cornerstone of my life and family.
My siblings and I grew up under their vigilant guidance, which was to support ourselves by choosing a career or livelihood that respected life. My late mother held a firm yet loving grip on us, ensuring we never strayed from the right path.
Buddhism teaches that attachment to material goods, mainly when acquired fraudulently, is a root cause of suffering.
I feel privileged to have studied the Secret of Happiness under the 14th Dalai Lama, who wisely said, “Wealth should be obtained honestly and used for the benefit of others. If acquired through dishonesty, it brings only misery and anxiety, not real happiness.”
Abundance obtained through immoral means may offer temporary comfort, but it can never fill the emptiness of spiritual poverty.
A life built on dishonesty lacks true peace, contentment, and lasting joy. Ultimately, a feat without uprightness is nothing more than a fantasy.
The Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita warns that money gained through unjust means carries the weight of sin, leading to adverse karmic consequences for the individual and the family.
It emphasises the Hindu principle of Dharma, which upholds righteous living and principled prosperity.
Many spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity, stress the concept of karma—the idea that every action has consequences.
Those who hurt others for personal gain will inevitably face retribution, whether in this life or the next. The outcomes of illicit wealth don’t end with the individual.
This karmic debt can manifest as financial ruin, health issues, or even the downfall of their heritage.
In many faiths, wealth is seen as a blessing from the divine, provided it is earned through sincere and honourable means.
When assets are acquired through corruption, it is believed to attract negative energies and divine displeasure.
Such individuals may find themselves increasingly isolated from divine grace, protection, and spiritual growth.
The results of riches earned illegally don’t end with the individual and will have ripple effects. Families and future generations often bear the brunt of these actions.
Children may inherit not just material wealth but also the karmic burdens of their ancestors. As their inheritance is built on sand rather than stone, they may struggle with moral dilemmas, financial instability, or a lack of purpose.
Although fraudulent money may bring temporary pleasures, it often results in long-term suffering—whether through guilt, broken relationships, or legal downfall.
Remember, guilt and shame can erode one’s peace of mind, while the trust of loved ones, once broken, is difficult to rebuild.
Actual possessions are not found in the lavishness of mansions or branded labels but in satisfaction, honourable living, and spiritual serenity.
Money earned through morality and hard work sustains our physical needs and enriches the soul.
Finally, the bequest we leave behind is not defined by the extravagance we accumulate but by the integrity of our actions and the love we share.
Only when we uphold respectable values in our search for success can we achieve a life of true prosperity and peace.
Award-winning writer Dr T. Selva is the author of the bestsellers Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, WhatsApp 019-2728464. He can be reached at drtselvas@gmail.com. Facebook: Vasthu Sastra