Dear Members,
Actions based upon sacrifice, charity, and penance should never be abandoned; they must certainly be performed. Indeed, acts of sacrifice, charity, and penance are purifying even for those who are wise. – Bhagavad Gita 18.5.
CAs are amongst those professionals who are considered wise by the society. People from all walks of life look to us for advice because they expect us to have cultivated an intellect which looks deeper as well as from different perspectives compared to the common man. Thus, it stands to reason that the above shloka applies to us with only the situation changing as applicable to Chartered Accountants.
Sacrifice: In the context of CAs, sacrifice would refer to putting the interests of clients or the public above personal gains and working long hours to ensure clients’ financial matters are handled diligently and ethically.
Charity: While charity often involves giving monetary donations, in the context of CAs, it can be interpreted as giving back to the community or helping those in need through pro bono services or volunteering our financial expertise to support organizations for charitable causes.
Penance: For CAs, penance signifies taking responsibility for any errors or oversights and going the extra mile to consciously rectify them.
The statement emphasizes that these actions should not be neglected and should be part of a CA’s mind-set of professional ethics and conduct. Engaging in acts of sacrifice, charity, and penance not only benefits others and society but can also contribute to the personal growth and professional standing of the CA themselves.
Moreover, the idea that these actions have a purifying effect even on the wise implies that, regardless of one’s expertise or experience, practicing these virtues can lead to moral and spiritual growth, which is valuable for all individuals, including CAs.
The examples and incidents described in our scriptures are not just stories but have many learnings for us as well and even described in a single line, these have a tremendous impact. Let us look at a few of these:
Even from a distance, Arjuna saw only and only the eye of the bird, he described it and then hit it. Learning: 100% Focus on goals whether near or far.
Karna was considered the greatest warrior as well as the noblest amongst all but he took the side of unethical people and paid the ultimate price. Learning: The company you keep will decide your fate more than your character ever can.
Our culture is rich with such examples, all we have to do is imbibe them to make an actual difference in our lives.
Let us work to uplift our country and people in whichever small way we can as true independence can only be achieved when we have eradicated poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition and social ills to become a healthy and progressive nation. CAs are looked upon as the guardians of financial integrity, let us take a small step forward and also become the guiding lights in the struggle to better the life of man. The essential ingredient to move ahead in life and in the profession is “Passion’. Let us stay inspired !