Many individuals ponder about the best way to contribute to the society but not many have a decisive answer.

Make billions, spend billions, or give away billions?

The answer lies in doing all the three.

To make billions, spend a little less, save the rest, and give it away! Twenty percent of one’s earnings should be earmarked for charity. However, charity should be self-sustainable. A self-sustaining charity should create more wealth rather than perpetuating the cycle of poverty and dependence. In this sense, the best form of charity would be providing quality education for children and creating responsible individuals out of them. They later go on to contribute back to society in a positive way.

In the eleventh chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna said, "Win the war with enemies and enjoy a prosperous empire." How can a businessman be altruistic and yet follow this piece of advice? Is there a way to resolve this riddle? Lord Krishna's advice was not for a recluse, but addressed to a prince. The Gita should not be dismissed as a text for people who are not in the world. In fact, the Gita is of no use for people who are retiring from the world.

The entire Bhagavad Gita is focused on the prince who had to shoulder a huge responsibility, encounter complex situations, and solve complicated human relations to make the country productive. Any big business has to perform all these functions. The promoters and leaders have to manage human resources and resolve conflicts. One cannot be emotional and say, "I don't want to compete with anybody.” The world of business is always a struggle, a fight. One’s weapons are speculation, bidding, negotiation, branding, marketing, pricing, innovation etc. These are the weapons to fight the business wars, and one should fight it to one’s complete satisfaction. If it does not turn out to be viable, naturally there is loss.It is not possible to do business with a charitable mindset. Charity and business should be kept separate. However when it comes to enjoying the fruits of one’s business, it is imperative to have a charitable mind. One must keep aside a portion for charity. The next time you feel a lack, trying giving back to the universe and the society and see how you get rewarded.