Is it wrong for a Hindu to want to become rich?

no — artha is a legitimate goal of life, as long as it is earned by dharma and used with generosity.

Hinduism does not ask householders to be poor. Of the four puruṣārthas, artha (wealth and security) and kāma (enjoyment) are honoured goals, framed by dharma on one side and mokṣa on the other. The gṛhastha, the householder, is praised in the texts because his earning supports the family, the elderly, students, guests and renunciates.

The warning is not against wealth but against greed (lobha) and attachment. The Īśa Upaniṣad’s opening verse advises enjoying the world through renunciation and not coveting what belongs to others. Wealth becomes a problem when it is gained unfairly, hoarded, or becomes the measure of one’s worth.

So aim high, work hard and save wisely. Give regularly, pay fair wages, support parents, and remember that wealth is a trust from Lakṣmī to be used well, not a possession to be clung to.

Source: Īśa Upaniṣad 1 — “tena tyaktena bhuñjīthāḥ”

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