The well-known story of the man who killed the goose that gave the golden eggs illustrates how greed for the resource (eggs) can blind one to the source (goose).

For our existence and enjoyment, we depend indispensably on natural resources. The Bhagavad-gita (09.18) states that Krishna is the eternal seed of all existences, indicating thereby that he is the source of all worldly resources. But whereas a seed disappears after germinating or a goose dies after laying a finite number of eggs, Krishna is an inexhaustible source (bijam avyayam). Just as subtracting any number from infinity doesn’t decrease infinity, the emanation from Krishna of any amount of worldly resources doesn’t diminish him. He remains always perfect and complete.

Gita wisdom explains that sustainable prosperity comes not by piling up the resources, but by propitiating the source. Why? Because no matter how many resources we pile up, they are all perishable and exhaustible. But when we propitiate the source, then he provides us the resources whenever we need them. That’s why in the four goals of human life (purusharthas), dharma (propitiation of the source) comes before artha (accumulation of resources) and kama (enjoyment of resources). Today’s godless mentality to seek only the resource and to neglect or even reject the source can’t lead to sustainable prosperity, as is evidenced in the imminent eco-crises caused largely by our indiscriminate exploitation of nature.

Significantly, Krishna is not just the source of all resources, but is also the ultimate resource. The Gita (07.20) declares those who recognize Krishna to be everything as truly enlightened. We are spiritual beings and can be satisfied only by spiritual love for Krishna. Unlike worldly resources that can’t stay with us beyond death, the supreme source stays with us eternally, bestowing spiritual ecstasy if we just turn our heart towards him.

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 09 Text 18

"I am the goal, the sustainer, the master, the witness, the abode, the refuge and the most dear friend. I am the creation and the annihilation, the basis of everything, the resting place and the eternal seed."