Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 18
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
स्तेयं हिंसानृतं दम्भ: काम: क्रोध: स्मयो मद: । भेदो वैरमविश्वास: संस्पर्धा व्यसनानि च ॥ १८ ॥ एते पञ्चदशानर्था ह्यर्थमूला मता नृणाम् । तस्मादनर्थमर्थाख्यं श्रेयोऽर्थी दूरतस्त्यजेत् ॥ १९ ॥
steyaṁ hiṁsānṛtaṁ dambhaḥ kāmaḥ krodhaḥ smayo madaḥ bhedo vairam aviśvāsaḥ saṁspardhā vyasanāni ca
Diebstahl, Gewalt, Lüge, Heuchelei, Begierde, Zorn, Verwirrung, Hochmut, Spaltung, Feindschaft, Misstrauen, Neid/Wettstreit sowie die Gefahren durch Frauen, Glücksspiel und Rausch—das sind fünfzehn Übel, deren Wurzel die Gier nach Reichtum ist. Darum soll, wer das wahre Heil sucht, diesen als „Nutzen“ bezeichneten, in Wahrheit schädlichen Besitz von weitem meiden.
The words anartham arthākhyam, or “undesirable wealth,” indicate wealth that cannot be efficiently engaged in the loving service of the Lord. Such superfluous money or property will undoubtedly pollute a man with all of the above-mentioned qualities and therefore should be given up.
FAQs
In 11.23.18, Śrī Kṛṣṇa lists destructive anarthas such as stealing, violence, lying, hypocrisy, lust, anger, pride, intoxication, division, enmity, distrust, rivalry, and addictions.
In the Uddhava-gītā section, Kṛṣṇa trains Uddhava in renunciation and spiritual clarity by identifying the character faults that arise from material attachment and disturb bhakti and peace.
Use the list as a self-audit: avoid dishonesty and harm, curb lust and anger, stay sober and humble, and refuse divisive rivalry—these supports strengthen sādhana, relationships, and inner steadiness.