Introduction: The Game of Dice and the Game of Wealth
Just as the Pandavas and Kauravas fought for the kingdom of Hastinapura, today we fight to build our own kingdoms of wealth. But unlike Yudhishthira’s disastrous game of dice, investing need not be gambling. Let me share the wisdom of our great epic to guide you on your journey to prosperity.
Chapter 1: Yudhishthira’s Mistake – Understanding Risk
Remember when Yudhishthira gambled away his entire kingdom, his brothers, and even Draupadi in the game of dice? This is the first lesson every investor must learn: Never put all your wealth in one place.
Yudhishthira’s fatal flaw was not the game itself, but that he risked everything on a single throw. In investing, we call this diversification – the art of spreading your wealth across different paths, just as Lord Krishna advised the Pandavas to take different routes during their forest exile.
- Some in safe places (like Yudhishthira’s dharma – bonds and fixed deposits)
- Some in growth opportunities (like Bhima’s strength – stocks)
- Some in skilled ventures (like Arjuna’s archery – mutual funds)
- Some in quick assets (like Nakula and Sahadeva’s horses – liquid funds)
Chapter 2: Bhishma’s Vow – The Power of Discipline
Bhishma took a terrible vow and kept it his entire life, never wavering even when faced with temptation. In investing, this is called systematic investing or SIP (Systematic Investment Plan).
Just as Bhishma stood firm on his promise for decades, you must invest regularly – whether the kingdom prospers or faces drought, whether the market rises or falls. This discipline, not timing, builds true wealth.
Chapter 3: Dronacharya’s Teaching – Learn Before You Leap
Drona tested Arjuna by asking, “What do you see?” Arjuna replied, “Only the eye of the bird.” This focus and knowledge made him the greatest archer.
Before you invest, you must learn:
- Stocks are like owning a piece of a merchant’s business
- Bonds are like lending money to the king for a fixed return
- Mutual Funds are like joining a caravan where an experienced guide leads many investors
- Gold is like… well, gold – the eternal store of value
Chapter 4: Krishna’s Wisdom – Patience and Long-Term Vision
Krishna did not solve every problem immediately. He waited for the right moment. The entire Mahabharata war was fought after years of patience and preparation.
In investing, this is called compounding – the eighth wonder of the world. Just as a small seed becomes a banyan tree over time, your money grows exponentially if you give it time.
• After 1 year: 1,120 coins
• After 10 years: 3,106 coins
• After 20 years: 9,646 coins
• After 30 years: 29,960 coins
Chapter 5: Karna’s Tragedy – Don’t Let Emotions Rule
Karna was loyal to Duryodhana even when it meant his destruction. Emotion overruled wisdom. Many investors make this mistake – they fall in love with a losing investment or panic and sell when markets fall.
This is called emotional investing, and it destroys wealth faster than Arjuna’s arrows.
Chapter 6: Draupadi’s Fire – Emergency Funds
When Draupadi was humiliated in the court, Krishna saved her with endless cloth. But what if Krishna hadn’t been there?
Every investor needs an emergency fund – money set aside for unexpected disasters: illness, job loss, or family needs. This should be 6-12 months of your expenses, kept in safe, easily accessible places like a savings account.
Chapter 7: Shakuni’s Dice – Beware of Get-Rich-Quick Schemes
Shakuni’s loaded dice promised quick wins but led to ruin. Today’s world is full of such schemes – “Double your money in 90 days!” or “Secret stock that will 10x!”
If it sounds too good to be true, it is Shakuni’s dice reborn.
Chapter 8: The Kurukshetra War – Asset Allocation
The war wasn’t won by one warrior alone. It required:
- Infantry (the foundation)
- Cavalry (quick movers)
- Elephants (heavy hitters)
- Chariots (balanced force)
Your investment portfolio should be the same – a mix of different assets based on your age and goals:
• 70% Stocks (high growth, high risk)
• 20% Bonds (stability)
• 10% Gold/Emergency (protection)
Seasoned Commander (35-50 years):
• 50% Stocks
• 35% Bonds
• 15% Gold/Emergency
Elder Statesman (50+ years):
• 30% Stocks
• 50% Bonds
• 20% Gold/Emergency
Chapter 9: Abhimanyu’s Chakravyuha – Know Your Exit Strategy
Abhimanyu knew how to enter the Chakravyuha but not how to exit, and it cost him his life. Many investors make this mistake – they buy stocks but don’t know when to sell.
- At what profit will you sell? (Target)
- At what loss will you cut your losses? (Stop-loss)
- How long will you hold? (Time horizon)
Chapter 10: Vidura’s Counsel – Seek Wise Guidance
Vidura was the wisest counselor in Hastinapura, always speaking truth even when it was uncomfortable. In investing, seek certified financial advisors – not your neighbor who “made a killing in stocks” or social media influencers.
Conclusion: Your Dharma of Wealth
Just as the Pandavas eventually won their kingdom through dharma, patience, and wisdom, you too can build your empire of wealth. Remember:
- Diversify like the five brothers
- Be disciplined like Bhishma
- Learn like Arjuna
- Be patient like Krishna
- Control emotions unlike Karna
- Keep emergency funds like Draupadi needed
- Avoid schemes like Shakuni’s dice
- Balance your portfolio like the war formation
- Know your exits unlike Abhimanyu
- Seek wise counsel like Vidura offered
The war may have lasted 18 days, but the Pandavas’ exile lasted 13 years. True wealth is built not in days or months, but in years and decades. Start your journey today, and may your wealth multiply like the Pandavas’ descendants!
You have the right to invest (action), but not to the returns (fruits).
Invest wisely, without attachment to immediate gains, and prosperity shall follow.
