Shloka 38
Kurukṣetra Pilgrimage: Sages Praise Kṛṣṇa; Vasudeva Inquires on Karma; Viṣṇu-yajña Performed
वित्तैषणां यज्ञदानैर्गृहैर्दारसुतैषणाम् । आत्मलोकैषणां देव कालेन विसृजेद्बुध: । ग्रामे त्यक्तैषणा: सर्वे ययुर्धीरास्तपोवनम् ॥ ३८ ॥
vittaiṣaṇāṁ yajña-dānair gṛhair dāra-sutaiṣaṇām ātma-lokaiṣaṇāṁ deva kālena visṛjed budhaḥ grāme tyaktaiṣaṇāḥ sarve yayur dhīrās tapo-vanam
বুদ্ধিমান ব্যক্তি যজ্ঞ ও দানের দ্বারা ধনলালসা ত্যাগ করতে শেখে; গৃহজীবনের অভিজ্ঞতায় স্ত্রী-পুত্রের আসক্তি ছাড়ে; আর হে বাসুদেব, কালের প্রভাব দেখে পরলোক-উন্নতির আকাঙ্ক্ষাও ত্যাগ করে। এভাবে গৃহাসক্তি ত্যাগকারী ধীর সংযমীরা তপোবনে গমন করে।
FAQs
This verse teaches that a wise person progressively abandons cravings—first for wealth through sacrifice and charity, then household attachment, and ultimately even subtle ambitions—moving toward a life centered on austerity and spiritual realization.
He emphasizes the classical Vedic progression from worldly life to deeper renunciation: when desires are relinquished, the sober-hearted seek an environment and lifestyle (tapasya) that supports exclusive spiritual practice and liberation.
Practice gradual renunciation: simplify consumption, give charity, reduce identity-based ambitions, and create a daily “tapo-vanam” through steady sādhana—japa, study, and service—while responsibly fulfilling duties.