Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 26
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
यदृच्छालाभतुष्टस्य तेजो विप्रस्य वर्धते । तत् प्रशाम्यत्यसन्तोषादम्भसेवाशुशुक्षणि: ॥ २६ ॥
yadṛcchā-lābha-tuṣṭasya tejo viprasya vardhate tat praśāmyaty asantoṣād ambhasevāśuśukṣaṇiḥ
Der Brāhmaṇa, der mit dem zufrieden ist, was ihm durch die Vorsehung zufällt, lässt sein tejas, seine geistige Kraft, anwachsen; doch durch Unzufriedenheit schwindet diese Potenz, wie Feuer an Stärke verliert, wenn Wasser darauf gesprengt wird.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a brāhmaṇa’s tejas (spiritual brilliance) grows when he is content with whatever comes naturally, without anxious striving.
Because dissatisfaction repeatedly disrupts austerity, peace, and clarity—just as water quickly extinguishes a burning fire—thereby weakening one’s spiritual strength.
Do your duty steadily, but reduce greed and complaint: accept outcomes with gratitude, keep needs simple, and protect inner peace—this preserves spiritual energy and focus.