Shloka 18
Śānti-parva 168: Śoka-nivṛtti-buddhi (The Cognition that Reduces Grief) and Piṅgalā’s Nairāśya
अर्थार्थिन: सन्ति केचिदपरे स्वर्गकांक्षिण: । कुलप्रत्यागमाश्चैके स्वं स्वं धर्ममनुछिता:
arthārthinaḥ santi kecid apare svargakāṅkṣiṇaḥ | kulapratyāgamāś caike svaṃ svaṃ dharmam anuṣṭhitāḥ ||
قال أرجونا: «من الناس من يطلب الأرثا، ومنهم من يتطلع إلى السماء. ومنهم من يلتزم بعادات سلالته الموروثة ويجتهد في أداء واجباته الخاصة. ومع ذلك، حتى بين من يبدو متحفظًا هادئًا عليمًا—وعليه مظاهر الزهد من الخارج—كثيرون لا يزالون يشتهون الثروة».
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that outward religiosity or even disciplined observance of duty can still be driven by desire—especially for wealth or heavenly reward. It points toward examining one’s inner motive, not merely one’s external conduct.
Arjuna observes the variety of human aims: some openly pursue wealth, others pursue heaven, and some follow inherited family customs and prescribed duties. He notes that even those who seem ascetic and learned may still harbor attachment to wealth, raising a moral question about sincerity and true detachment.