Shloka 15
The Forest of Material Existence: Jaḍa Bharata Instructs King Rahūgaṇa
मनस्विनो निर्जितदिग्गजेन्द्रा ममेति सर्वे भुवि बद्धवैरा: । मृधे शयीरन्न तु तद्व्रजन्ति यन्न्यस्तदण्डो गतवैरोऽभियाति ॥ १५ ॥
manasvino nirjita-dig-gajendrā mameti sarve bhuvi baddha-vairāḥ mṛdhe śayīran na tu tad vrajanti yan nyasta-daṇḍo gata-vairo ’bhiyāti
Es gab und gibt auf Erden viele Helden, die Feinde gleicher Stärke besiegten; doch aus Unwissen, im Glauben „das Land gehört mir“, binden sie sich an Feindschaft, kämpfen gegeneinander und fallen im Krieg. Den geistigen Pfad der Entsagten können sie nicht ergreifen; so gelangen sie nicht zur Selbsterkenntnis.
Big political leaders might be able to conquer equally powerful political enemies, but unfortunately they cannot subdue their strong senses, the enemies that always accompany them. Not being able to conquer these nearby enemies, they simply try to conquer other enemies, and ultimately they die in the struggle for existence. They do not take to the path of spiritual realization or become sannyāsīs. Sometimes these big leaders take up the guise of a sannyāsī and call themselves mahātmās, but their only business is conquering their political enemies. Because they spoil their lives with the illusion of “this is my land and my family,” they cannot progress spiritually and attain liberation from the clutches of māyā.
FAQs
This verse teaches that even heroic conquest and dying in battle cannot grant the highest destination; freedom comes by abandoning violence, possessiveness (“mine”), and hostility.
In the allegorical and philosophical teachings of Canto 5, Shukadeva contrasts worldly pride and rivalry with the inner path—restraint, detachment, and a heart purified of enmity—leading toward the supreme goal.
Practice reducing possessiveness and conflict: choose forgiveness over retaliation, speak without hostility, and cultivate devotional humility—progressing with a non-envious mindset.