Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 22
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
त्रिभि: क्रमैरसन्तुष्टो द्वीपेनापि न पूर्यते । नववर्षसमेतेन सप्तद्वीपवरेच्छया ॥ २२ ॥
tribhiḥ kramair asantuṣṭo dvīpenāpi na pūryate nava-varṣa-sametena sapta-dvīpa-varecchayā
Wer schon mit drei Schritten Land nicht zufrieden ist, wird auch mit einer der sieben Inselwelten mit ihren neun varṣas nicht erfüllt sein; hat er eine, begehrt er die anderen.
FAQs
This verse teaches that if one remains unsatisfied even with a small gain, then even vast possessions—an island, an entire dvīpa, or more—will not bring fulfillment, because desire expands with acquisition.
In the context of Bali Mahārāja’s gift to Vāmana-deva, Śukadeva highlights how worldly ambition grows without limit, contrasting it with the need for surrender and true satisfaction in devotion.
Practice contentment by setting limits on acquisition, noticing how wants multiply, and redirecting ambition toward lasting goals—service, character, and devotion—rather than endless accumulation.