Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 42
Kali-yuga’s Degradation, the Advent of Kalki, and the Reset of the Yuga Cycle
कथं सेयमखण्डा भू: पूर्वैर्मे पुरुषैर्धृता । मत्पुत्रस्य च पौत्रस्य मत्पूर्वा वंशजस्य वा ॥ ४२ ॥
kathaṁ seyam akhaṇḍā bhūḥ pūrvair me puruṣair dhṛtā mat-putrasya ca pautrasya mat-pūrvā vaṁśa-jasya vā
Der materialistische König denkt: „Diese grenzenlose Erde wurde von meinen Vorfahren gehalten und steht nun unter meiner Herrschaft. Wie kann ich es einrichten, dass sie in den Händen meiner Söhne, Enkel und Nachkommen bleibt?“
This is an example of foolish possessiveness.
FAQs
This verse shows Parīkṣit’s concern that the earth is upheld when rulers follow the dharma of their forefathers, and he questions how that standard can continue in future generations.
In the context of Kali-yuga’s symptoms, Parīkṣit worries that future rulers in his dynasty may not preserve the same righteous governance that earlier kings maintained.
It highlights responsible stewardship: leaders and householders should preserve what they inherit—values, resources, and social order—by learning from exemplary predecessors and acting with accountability.