Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 6
Bali Mahārāja Upholds Truth; Vāmana Reveals the Universal Form and Takes the Two Steps
यद् यद्धास्यति लोकेऽस्मिन्सम्परेतं धनादिकम् । तस्य त्यागे निमित्तं किं विप्रस्तुष्येन्न तेन चेत् ॥ ६ ॥
yad yad dhāsyati loke ’smin samparetaṁ dhanādikam tasya tyāge nimittaṁ kiṁ vipras tuṣyen na tena cet
Mein Herr, Du siehst auch, dass beim Tod Reichtum und alle weltlichen Herrlichkeiten gewiss vom Besitzer getrennt werden. Wenn also der Brāhmaṇa Vāmanadeva mit den gegebenen Gaben nicht zufrieden ist, warum sollte man Ihn nicht mit dem Vermögen erfreuen, das man beim Sterben ohnehin verlieren muss?
The word vipra means brāhmaṇa, and at the same time “confidential.” Bali Mahārāja had confidentially decided to give the gift to Lord Vāmanadeva without discussion, but because such a decision would hurt the hearts of the asuras and his spiritual master, Śukrācārya, he spoke equivocally. Bali Mahārāja, as a pure devotee, had already decided to give all the land to Lord Viṣṇu.
FAQs
This verse teaches that since wealth and possessions are certainly left behind at death, clinging to them is irrational; real satisfaction must be sought beyond material accumulation.
He highlights that a truly wise person (vipra) should be content and detached; if even a learned person cannot be satisfied by possessions, then possessions are not the source of lasting fulfillment.
Regularly reflect on impermanence, simplify needs, use wealth in service (dāna and dharma), and cultivate inner contentment through devotion and spiritual practice rather than constant acquisition.