Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 19
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, Streit, Feindschaft, Misstrauen, Neid sowie die Gefahren aus Frauenverhaftung, Glücksspiel und Rausch—dies sind fünfzehn Anarthas, die aus Gier nach Reichtum entspringen und den Menschen beflecken. Darum soll, wer das wahre Heil sucht, sich fernhalten von dem materiellen „Reichtum“, der Wohnstatt des Unheils.
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
This verse lists fifteen major vices—like stealing, violence, lying, lust, anger, pride, rivalry and addiction—and says they arise from attachment to artha (worldly acquisition). Therefore, a seeker of true welfare should keep a distance from wealth pursued as an end in itself.
In his instruction on freedom and inner contentment, the Avadhūta explains that obsession with gain breeds moral collapse and mental agitation. He warns that what people call ‘artha’ often becomes ‘anartha’—a producer of bondage—so it should be renounced by one seeking the highest good.
Treat money and achievement as tools for dharma, not identity. Reduce greed-driven habits, avoid rivalry and dishonesty, and cultivate simplicity, self-control, and devotion so that life is not ruled by the chain of vices born from excessive acquisition.