Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 21
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
अर्थेनाल्पीयसा ह्येते संरब्धा दीप्तमन्यव: । त्यजन्त्याशु स्पृधो घ्नन्ति सहसोत्सृज्य सौहृदम् ॥ २१ ॥
arthenālpīyasā hy ete saṁrabdhā dīpta-manyavaḥ tyajanty āśu spṛdho ghnanti sahasotsṛjya sauhṛdam
For even a small amount of money these relatives and friends become very agitated and their anger is inflamed. Acting as rivals, they quickly give up all sentiments of goodwill and will reject one at a moment’s notice, even to the point of committing murder.
FAQs
This verse says that even a small amount of material gain can inflame anger and rivalry, making people abandon friendship and even harm one another.
In the Uddhava-gītā, Kṛṣṇa teaches renunciation and clear discrimination by exposing how attachment to trivial material profit destroys goodwill and leads to conflict.
Treat money as a tool, not a master—avoid competitive envy, keep relationships above profit, and practice contentment to prevent anger and needless conflict.