Rethinking Success on Wall Street. A Veteran Broker's Contemplation on Redefining Fulfillment in His Career.
"The Bhagavad Gita itself was first conveyed on a battlefield, showing us dharma applies everywhere."
Podcast with Chauncey and S.A. Sreedharanji about “Desire Management”.
I’m excited to share my podcast exploring how Vedanta’s ancient teachings practically apply to navigating modern money-entangled environments.
I spoke with Chauncey, a financially successful Chicago banker, who feels increasingly troubled by corporate pressures driving endless profit and prestige boosting. As someone new to Eastern wisdom, he tries questioning ethically dubious practices when possible, though systemic incentives make that difficult.
“It’s just deal after deal finding ways to cut worker benefits to squeeze marginal gain,” Chauncey acknowledges. “Leadership says fiercely competing this way sparks innovation. But I wonder if we lose humanity piecemeal when compassion loses to calculation?”
This unease has led Chauncey to seek steadier anchors than wealth-building metrics alone can provide. “Somehow there are still those staying dedicated to community-uplifting values despite the odds. I wonder how they keep morally centred amidst the disorienting spin?”
To share timeless insight on desire management, I invited Vedantic philosopher S.A. Sreedharanji who has immersed for decades in India's ancient teachings to uncover the wisdom still powerfully relevant for modern life.
On restraining restless cravings, Sreedharanji stresses that sensory pleasures and possessions offer only fleeting joy. By contrast, aligning to our eternal nature as witnesses beyond phenomena brings enduring contentment.
As Sreedharanji reminds us:
"As Arjun took up his bow on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, so too must we take up our duties in life with detached action. Perform your tasks as offerings unto the Divine, without expectation of personal reward or attachment to results. This is the message of Karma Yoga so central to the Gita - selfless service is itself the path to liberation."
"You know, there are brokers and brokers," reflects Chauncey. "You don't necessarily have to be a shark even though...well..." he interrupts himself in embarrassment.
Sreedharanji notes repeatedly turning inward builds self-awareness to respond consciously rather than reflexively grasp at outer substitutes. “Instead of seeking promotions or acquisitions to satisfy the soul, we nurture inner sources untethered from changing fortunes.”
I found Sreedharanji's perspective very applicable as Chauncey unpacked tensions between parental hopes and vocational pressures. We reflected on distinguishing anxious cravings from discerning dharma-guided ambition.
As Sreedharanji explains:
"The Bhagavad Gita itself was first conveyed on a battlefield, showing us dharma applies everywhere.
On Wall Street or Main Street, we can practice Karma Yoga by dedicating actions to service rather than selfish interests, without worrying about outcomes."
I hope this soul-searching dialogue serves anyone also seeking to align superficial drives with inner truths. Have a listen and share any reflections on walking this tightrope with compassionate wisdom!
I have woven tales to share, for any who care to read them. My books await you on Google Books. Check also my stories on Medium.com.
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Thank you for your precious attention.
