Shloka 21
The Deliverance of King Nṛga and the Warning Against Taking Brāhmaṇa Property
नाहं प्रतीच्छे वै राजन्नित्युक्त्वा स्वाम्यपाक्रमत् । नान्यद् गवामप्ययुतमिच्छामीत्यपरो ययौ ॥ २१ ॥
nāhaṁ pratīcche vai rājann ity uktvā svāmy apākramat nānyad gavām apy ayutam icchāmīty aparo yayau
يا أيها الملك، قال مالكُ البقرة الحالي: «لا أقبل شيئًا عوضًا عنها»، ثم انصرف. وقال البرهمن الآخر: «لا أريد حتى عشرةَ آلافِ بقرةٍ إضافية»، ثم انصرف هو أيضًا.
In Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrīla Prabhupāda comments: “Thus disagreeing with the King’s proposal, both brāhmaṇas left the palace in anger, thinking that their lawful possession had been usurped.”
FAQs
This verse shows a mood of renunciation: the speakers refuse acceptance of material rewards, emphasizing freedom from greed and independence from worldly gain.
Within the narrative, it highlights their disinterest in material compensation—rejecting even a traditionally great gift (ayuta of cows) to demonstrate detachment and principled conduct.
Practice contentment: do your duty without bargaining for rewards, avoid unethical benefits, and keep spiritual priorities higher than money, status, or possessions.