(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 03 September 2016, Cape Town, South Africa, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.9.25)
In his list for society at large, Bhismadev mentions, “To equally distribute wealth.” So, are we speaking here about communism? It sounds like Bhismadev is the pre-runner of Karl Marx! No, to equally distribute wealth means that there should be no excessive poverty, that no-one should be deprived of their basic needs of life. It is not that everyone should be equally wealthy. This is not appropriate. Reward should be there relating to endeavour and there is also the influence of karma – some are born more wealthy and some are born more poor. So these differences in society are fine but not to the exploitation of others. Those who have wealth have to take responsibility for the well-being of others.