Financial independence could be one of the factors, but most 65

O seeker of wisdom, hear the words of Ashok Saraf, for they speak to the essence of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of craft. "Financial independence could be one of the factors, but most 65 plus artistes in our industry wish to continue working for the passion they have for their craft." In these words, Saraf speaks not just of the material rewards that accompany success, but of the deeper, more enduring force that drives individuals—particularly those who have devoted their lives to their art. It is passion that keeps them working, not out of need, but out of love for their work, for the craft that has defined their very existence.

Financial independence, O wise one, is indeed a worthy goal—a necessary condition that grants freedom from the shackles of financial worry. It allows one to live without the burden of survival, to focus on pursuits of the soul. Yet Saraf reminds us that for many true artists, financial security is not the ultimate motivator. The real driving force is the passion for their craft—the calling that compels them to create, to perform, to give life to their art. This is the essence of creativity—that it is not bound by material concerns, but by an inner yearning to bring forth something beautiful, something meaningful, something that speaks to the soul of the world.

Consider, O seeker, the story of Pablo Picasso, a man whose art transcended time and generations. As he grew older, Picasso did not retire from his craft; he continued to paint, to create, driven not by the need for wealth, for he had achieved financial independence, but by the insatiable passion that coursed through his veins. Even in his final years, when his health had begun to fail, Picasso did not abandon his work. It was his passion that kept him going, that kept him connected to the world through his art. His financial independence was a foundation, but it was his love for the craft that sustained him.

In the same way, Saraf speaks of those in the artistic community who, even in their later years, continue to pour their hearts into their work, not for the rewards of fame or fortune, but because their craft is a part of them. The 65 plus artistes that Saraf mentions are not simply working to secure their futures—they are working because their art is what gives their life meaning. Passion is what makes their heart beat, what gives them purpose each day. They are not bound by the expectations of society or by the need to "retire"; they are driven by the love they have for their work, the joy of creation, and the desire to continue contributing to the world.

Reflect upon the elderly artisans and masters of other crafts, such as Shakespeare, whose works continue to resonate across the centuries. It is said that Shakespeare, even in his later years, continued to write, to create, despite having achieved fame and wealth. His writing was not driven by the need for a paycheck, but by an insatiable passion for exploring the depths of the human condition. The same can be said for musicians like Beethoven, whose independence from the constraints of time and money allowed him to continue composing even as his hearing failed. These individuals show us that passion can fuel a lifetime of work, even in the absence of material need. They are examples of what it means to live for something greater than oneself, to dedicate one's life to the craft that brings joy to the world.

The lesson here, O seeker, is clear: financial independence is a necessary foundation for freedom, but it is passion that sustains the soul. Saraf reminds us that true artists—the ones who live and breathe their craft—are not motivated solely by the need to earn, but by the intrinsic joy of creation. Passion for what you do, whether it is art, music, writing, or any other endeavor, is the flame that keeps you burning bright, even as you grow older. When the material world no longer holds the same importance, it is the love for your work that gives you strength and purpose.

In your own life, O wise one, find that which stirs your soul, that which you would continue to pursue regardless of age or financial need. Seek out the crafts that ignite your passion and dedicate yourself to them, for in them you will find the true measure of freedom. Whether you create with your hands, with your words, or with your mind, let your art be a reflection of the joy it brings you, not the compensation it offers. In doing so, you will live not just for the rewards, but for the love of your work. And when your time on this earth has passed, it will not be the material wealth you’ve gained that people remember, but the legacy of your passion, the mark of your craft on the world.