Shloka 40
Kuntī’s Prayers and the Neutralization of the Brahmāstra
Uttarā Protected; Yudhiṣṭhira’s Grief Begins
इमे जनपदा: स्वृद्धा: सुपक्वौषधिवीरुध: । वनाद्रिनद्युदन्वन्तो ह्येधन्ते तव वीक्षितै: ॥ ४० ॥
ime jana-padāḥ svṛddhāḥ supakvauṣadhi-vīrudhaḥ vanādri-nady-udanvanto hy edhante tava vīkṣitaiḥ
All diese Städte und Dörfer gedeihen in jeder Hinsicht: Kräuter und Getreide sind reichlich, die Bäume tragen Früchte, die Flüsse fließen, die Berge sind voller Mineralien und die Ozeane voller Reichtümer; all dies wächst durch Deinen gnädigen Blick.
Human prosperity flourishes by natural gifts and not by gigantic industrial enterprises. The gigantic industrial enterprises are products of a godless civilization, and they cause the destruction of the noble aims of human life. The more we go on increasing such troublesome industries to squeeze out the vital energy of the human being, the more there will be unrest and dissatisfaction of the people in general, although a few only can live lavishly by exploitation. The natural gifts such as grains and vegetables, fruits, rivers, the hills of jewels and minerals, and the seas full of pearls are supplied by the order of the Supreme, and as He desires, material nature produces them in abundance or restricts them at times. The natural law is that the human being may take advantage of these godly gifts by nature and satisfactorily flourish on them without being captivated by the exploitative motive of lording it over material nature. The more we attempt to exploit material nature according to our whims of enjoyment, the more we shall become entrapped by the reaction of such exploitative attempts. If we have sufficient grains, fruits, vegetables and herbs, then what is the necessity of running a slaughterhouse and killing poor animals? A man need not kill an animal if he has sufficient grains and vegetables to eat. The flow of river waters fertilizes the fields, and there is more than what we need. Minerals are produced in the hills, and the jewels in the ocean. If the human civilization has sufficient grains, minerals, jewels, water, milk, etc., then why should it hanker after terrible industrial enterprises at the cost of the labor of some unfortunate men? But all these natural gifts are dependent on the mercy of the Lord. What we need, therefore, is to be obedient to the laws of the Lord and achieve the perfection of human life by devotional service. The indications by Kuntīdevī are just to the point. She desires that God’s mercy be bestowed upon them so that natural prosperity be maintained by His grace.
FAQs
This verse teaches that true prosperity of a land—crops, herbs, forests, rivers, and oceans—naturally increases when Krishna is present and bestows His glance, implying divine favor surpasses mere material arrangements.
In her prayers at Hastināpura, Kuntī glorifies Krishna’s supreme position: He is not only protector of the Pāṇḍavas but the sustainer of all creation, whose mere look brings nourishment and well-being.
It encourages aligning life with devotion and dharma—seeking divine grace through sincere bhakti—recognizing that lasting well-being is supported by spiritual alignment, not only external planning.