Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 24
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
यदृच्छयोपपन्नेन सन्तुष्टो वर्तते सुखम् । नासन्तुष्टस्त्रिभिर्लोकैरजितात्मोपसादितै: ॥ २४ ॥
yadṛcchayopapannena santuṣṭo vartate sukham nāsantuṣṭas tribhir lokair ajitātmopasāditaiḥ
Man soll mit dem zufrieden sein, was einem gemäß dem früheren Geschick zufällt, denn Unzufriedenheit bringt niemals Glück. Wer sich nicht beherrscht, wird selbst mit den drei Welten nicht glücklich sein.
If happiness is the ultimate goal of life, one must be satisfied with the position in which he is placed by providence. This instruction is also given by Prahlāda Mahārāja:
FAQs
This verse teaches that happiness comes from being satisfied with what arrives naturally, whereas dissatisfaction persists even with immense possessions like the three worlds.
He highlights that true wealth is inner mastery and contentment—an essential lesson as Bali faces apparent loss yet gains spiritual success through surrender and steadiness.
Practice accepting necessities with gratitude, reduce endless acquisition, and focus on mind-control and devotion; otherwise, more achievements will not remove inner discontent.