Why Materially Affluent People Hesitate to Meet Sadhu–Sants: Understanding the Modern Context

 

In the Vedic tradition, welcoming a sadhu or sant into one's home was not merely etiquette—it was a sacred opportunity for purification. Scriptures describe that even the poorest householder becomes blessed when he receives a saint with sincerity, even if all he can offer is a glass of water, a seat, or simply folded hands. The presence of a saint was considered equal to receiving the Lord’s own messenger: one who brings wisdom, peace, and a reminder of life’s ultimate purpose.

However, in the modern world—especially among the materially affluent—there is a growing hesitation to meet saints or allow them into their homes. This shift raises an important question: Why are people, despite their wealth and comfort, distancing themselves from the very source of spiritual nourishment?

Erosion of Trust: When Saints Lose Their Standard

One of the primary reasons lies in the unfortunate behavior of a few who appear as saints but do not uphold saintly qualities.

Some individuals, wearing saffron robes, have become entangled in:

cravings for material comforts

consumption of non-sattvic food

excessive dependence on donations

pursuit of followers, fame, or political influence

This has created a sense of doubt and even fear among house holders. When a wealthy person sees such examples, a thought arises: “Is this saint here to give blessings, or to take something from me?”

Such incidents, although limited, leave a deep impression, leading many to close their doors to all saints, genuine or not.

The Rise of Materialism: Forgotten Value of Association

Another major reason is the lifestyle shift among the financially well-off. Today’s affluent society is more absorbed in:

maintaining properties

managing businesses and investments

pursuing luxury and entertainment

competing for social status

In this busyness, the importance of spiritual association—once a natural part of life—gets pushed aside. Spiritual visitors are seen as “irrelevant interruptions,” and not as bearers of wisdom. Many rich households even put signs like:

“Do Not Enter”

“Beware of Dog”

“Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted”

This reflects an unseen wall around their lives—physical, social, and emotional—where even saintly people feel unwelcome.

Scriptural Perspective: A House Without Saints Becomes Spiritually Empty

Vedic scriptures strongly warn that a house where no saints visit becomes spiritually barren. Externally it may appear prosperous—filled with comfort, wealth, and luxuries—but inwardly it becomes:

restless

envious

fearful

disconnected from divine grace

Such a home is compared to a tree filled with poisonous snakes—appearing beautiful from the outside but dangerous within.

The Transformative Presence of Vaisnava Saints

True vairagi and Vaisnava sannyasis do not travel for personal gain. They travel to uplift society. Their presence carries:

purity

compassion

transcendental knowledge

peace and clarity

the remembrance of God

Just by the touch of their lotus feet, a place becomes a pilgrimage site. Their words can dissolve lifetimes of confusion, and their association reminds householders of the higher purpose of human life.

The Way Forward: Integrity and Openness From Both Sides

To restore the lost culture, two things must happen:

1. Saints must maintain their integrity

A saint must be:

simple and detached

disciplined in conduct

free from greed

focused on service, not prestige

an example of purity

When saints embody the teachings, trust naturally returns.

2. Householders must revive humility and openness

Wealth should not become a barrier to spiritual life. A rich person benefits even more from the association of saints because material abundance often brings hidden anxieties and attachments.

Opening the door to a saint is equivalent to opening the heart to divine wisdom.

The hesitation of materially affluent people to meet saints is a reflection of modern priorities and occasional misuse of spiritual identity. Yet the timeless truth remains: the association of saints is invaluable, regardless of one’s wealth or status. When both saints maintain purity and householders show humility, a powerful spiritual culture is restored—one that enriches both lives and society.

Welcoming a saint is not an act of 

charity; it is an act of receiving grace. And in that grace, even a wealthy person discovers the peace that money can never buy.

Why Study in Germany?

  Studying in Germany is a great option due to its tuition-free public universities, high-quality education, and strong global reputation. Here’s a concise guide to get you started:

1. Why Study in Germany?

No tuition fees at most public universities (just a small semester fee).

World-class education in Engineering, IT, Management, Social Sciences, etc.

Degrees recognized worldwide.

Opportunities for part-time work and post-study stay (up to 18 months).

2. Popular Programs for International Students

Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)

Computer Science / IT

Business & Management

Data Science / AI

Social Sciences / Humanities

Environmental Sciences

3. Language of Instruction

English-taught programs are widely available, especially at the master's level.

German proficiency (B1/B2 level) is needed for many bachelor’s programs or daily life.

4. Basic Requirements

For Bachelor’s:

12 years of schooling is not enough—you may need:

1 year of university in Nepal, or

Foundation course (Studienkolleg)

For Master’s:

Recognized 4-year bachelor’s degree

Good CGPA (2.5+ on German scale is ideal)

English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

Statement of Purpose (SOP), CV, LORs

5. How to Apply

1. Find a program: Use https://www.daad.de/en/ or https://www.myguide.de/en/

2. Check eligibility and prepare documents.

3. Apply via uni-assist or directly to universities.

4. Get admission letter, then open a blocked account (10,800+ Euros).

5. Apply for student visa at the German Embassy in Nepal.

6. Costs

Tuition: Mostly free in public universities.

Living cost: ~850–1,100 Euros/month

Health insurance: ~100 Euros/month

Visa fee: ~75 Euros

7. Scholarships

DAAD Scholarships (mostly for Master’s & PhD)

Erasmus+

University-specific funding

8. Post-Study Opportunities

18-month job-seeking visa after graduation

Germany is a strong job market for tech, engineering, and healthcare graduates.

Humility

 Humility is both the doorway and the road of devotional life. When a seeker bows to the Guru’s instruction, willingly “losing” with the Guru rather than competing for credit, the heart is softened and the chains of material proprietorship begin to fall away. In that surrender one discovers the paradoxical strength that flows from genuine meekness: there are no enemies in a heart that has accepted Krishna as the supreme friend. Brahmā and Indra teach us that even exalted beings falter when pride swells, yet the moment they humbled themselves, Krishna welcomed them back, proving that progress in bhakti is measured only by the degree to which ego has been dissolved.

False proprietorship and envy are twin thieves that rob the soul of peace. Envy swells the false ego, contaminating every relationship and making it impossible to taste the sweet harmony of Vaiṣṇava association. But chanting the holy name reconnects us to our eternal identity; each mantra is an invitation to Swarūpa-siddhi, the full awakening of the soul’s natural form and service. As diseases and enemies grow uncontrollable when neglected, so the senses become tyrannical if not restrained early; therefore daily bhajan is not an option but a sacred duty. When the mind complains, “Why must I serve?” the humble devotee replies, “Because service is my nature, and Krishna’s mercy is everything I have.”

Service attitude matters more than the externals of the service rendered. A leader in bhakti willingly sacrifices personal comfort, grateful for both the positive and negative circumstances that Krishna arranges as examinations of faith. Real selfishness is caring for the soul: cultivating mercy, forbearance (titikṣā), compassion (karuṇā), and the ability to rejoice in the qualities (guṇa) of sādhus rather than compete with them. Association therefore becomes crucial; by seeking the company of those who sincerely want to know Krishna, one’s own desire is fanned into a pure flame.

Jagannātha Purī reminds us that wherever the Lord is worshipped with love, all pathways—smaraṇa, prasāda, tīrtha, nāma, darśana, residence, even the final moment of death—lead to liberation. In that sacred vision every material endeavor is seen as ultimately void unless it inclines the heart toward devotional service. Gratitude then becomes instinctive: we thank Krishna for literally everything, never forgetting His help even after our prayers are answered. For the conditioned soul trapped in the material world because of envy, this grateful humility is the passport to freedom. The nearer we draw to God, the more our pride melts away, until, beyond the extremes of pain and pleasure, only the pure joy of loving service remains—the very conclusion of all philosophy and the true invocation of our eternal individua

lity.

Optimizing Memory Retention and Revision Techniques

 

1. Revision with Standard Techniques and Mnemonics Reduces

Repetition Times

Mnemonics, like acronyms, rhymes, and visualization, are powerful

memory aids. By associating complex information with simple,

memorable cues, learners can significantly reduce the need for

frequent revisions. For example, the acronym 'HOMES' helps

remember the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and

Superior.

2. Repetition as a Learning Technique

Repetition strengthens neural connections, making information

retrieval easier. Known as 'spaced repetition,' it leverages the brain's

natural forgetting curve to ensure information is reviewed before it is

forgotten.

3. Repetition from the Same Material is More Effective

Using the same source material for revision prevents cognitive

overload and ensures consistency. Familiar formats and structure

enhance comprehension and retention.

4. Emotionally Attached Information is Remembered Longer

Emotional arousal activates the amygdala, a part of the brain that

strengthens memory encoding. For instance, we tend to remember

emotional events like birthdays or achievements without much effort.

5. Memory Techniques Reduce Revision Times and Improve

Retention

Techniques such as the Method of Loci (memory palace), chunking,

and visualization help reduce revision time while increasing retention.

For example, chunking a long phone number into smaller groups

(e.g., 123-456-7890) makes it easier to recall.

6. Cramming vs. Spaced Repetition

Cramming leads to short-term retention but rapid forgetting. On the

other hand, spaced repetition spreads out learning sessions over

time, improving long-term memory. Research by Ebbinghaus shows

that spaced repetition significantly improves information retention

over weeks and months.

7. Lack of Revision Can Lead to Forgetting Basic Information

If information is not revised consciously or indirectly reinforced, it

can be forgotten, even something as fundamental as one's name.

Regular engagement with material keeps it active in the memory.

8. The Forgetting Curve

Studies by Hermann Ebbinghaus reveal that humans forget 50% of

new information within an hour of learning it. This increases to 70%

within 24 hours and continues to decline without reinforcement.

Spaced repetition combats this curve effectively.

9. Conscious Revision is Essential

Deliberate and mindful revision is necessary to encode information

into long-term memory. Passive reading or skimming does not

suffice. Techniques like self-quizzing and active recall significantly

enhance retention.

10. Revising Material Nine Times at Intervals is Better than Cramming

Studies suggest revising new material at least nine times over spaced

intervals optimizes long-term retention. For example:

- Review immediately after learning.

- Revise after 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, etc.

This contrasts with cramming, which involves revising 10 times in a

short period, offering minimal long-term benefit.

11. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Revision

Cramming may be effective for exams the next day but fails in

retaining knowledge beyond the test. Long-term learning emphasizes

spaced repetition and understanding, making information accessible

even years later.

Key Facts and Figures:

- The forgetting curve demonstrates that without reinforcement, we

lose 50% of information in an hour, 70% in a day, and up to 90% in a

week.

- Spaced repetition improves retention by 30%-50% compared to

cramming.

- Using mnemonics can enhance recall by up to 20%-30%.

- Active recall is proven to be 25% more effective than passive study

techniques like rereading notes.