Shloka 1
King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
मैत्रेय उवाच भृग्वादयस्ते मुनयो लोकानां क्षेमदर्शिन: । गोप्तर्यसति वै नृणां पश्यन्त: पशुसाम्यताम् ॥ १ ॥
maitreya uvāca bhṛgv-ādayas te munayo lokānāṁ kṣema-darśinaḥ goptary asati vai nṝṇāṁ paśyantaḥ paśu-sāmyatām
قال ميتريا: يا ودورا البطل، إن الحكماء العظام وعلى رأسهم بهريغو كانوا دائمًا ينظرون إلى خير الناس. فلما رأوا أنه في غياب الملك أنغا لا يوجد من يحمي مصالح الرعية، أدركوا أن الناس بلا حاكم سيصيرون بلا نظام، كحال البهائم.
In this verse the significant word is kṣema-darśinaḥ, which refers to those who are always looking after the welfare of the people in general. All the great sages headed by Bhṛgu were always thinking of how to elevate all the people of the universe to the spiritual platform. Indeed, they advised the kings of every planet to rule the people with that ultimate goal of life in mind. The great sages used to advise the head of the state, or the king, and he used to rule the populace in accordance with their instruction. After the disappearance of King Aṅga, there was no one to follow the instructions of the great sages. Consequently all the citizens became unruly, so much so that they could be compared to animals. As described in Bhagavad-gītā (4.13) , human society must be divided into four orders according to quality and work. In every society there must be an intelligent class, administrative class, productive class and worker class. In modern democracy these scientific divisions are turned topsy-turvy, and by vote śūdras, or workers, are chosen for administrative posts. Having no knowledge of the ultimate goal of life, such persons whimsically enact laws without knowledge of life’s purpose. The result is that no one is happy.
FAQs
This verse states that when there is no true protector of the people, society degrades and humans begin to live like animals; therefore dharmic leadership is essential for public welfare.
They are welfare-seers for the world, and seeing the absence of proper protection for citizens, they recognize the danger of moral and social collapse.
Support and cultivate responsible leadership—beginning with self-discipline and ethical conduct—because protection, guidance, and dharma-based accountability prevent society from sliding into chaos.