Shloka 28
Jīva-yonis (84 Lakhs), Rarity of Human Birth, Sense-Restraint, Craving, and Śraddhā-based Dharma
न जाने तस्य तद्वित्तं प्रातः कस्य भविष्यति / रारटीति धनं तस्य को मे भर्ता भविष्यति
na jāne tasya tadvittaṃ prātaḥ kasya bhaviṣyati / rāraṭīti dhanaṃ tasya ko me bhartā bhaviṣyati
Ich weiß nicht, wem sein Reichtum morgen früh gehören wird. Und doch schreit er immerzu: „Mein Geld! mein Geld!“—und (die Gattin klagt): „Wer wird nun mein Beschützer, mein Gemahl, sein?“
Lord Vishnu (teaching Garuda/Vainateya)
Concept: Asakti (clinging) to wealth and relations is futile; ownership is transient and death severs worldly claims.
Vedantic Theme: Anityatva (impermanence) and mithyatva of possessiveness; viveka between self and non-self.
Application: Practice detachment: plan charity and dharmic use of wealth while alive; cultivate inner security rather than dependence on possessions/roles.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: household
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: repeated motifs of wealth left behind at death and relatives’ lamentation; Garuda Purana: teachings on vairagya and dana as antidotes to moha
FAQs
This verse highlights that wealth is uncertain and quickly changes hands after death, so clinging to it at the final moment is portrayed as delusion that obstructs a dharmic, prepared departure.
By contrasting the dying person’s fixation on property with the immediate worldly redistribution of wealth, the verse implies the soul cannot carry possessions and must face its onward journey supported only by karma and dharma, not by assets.
Live with responsible stewardship: use wealth for dharma (charity, duties, rites), reduce possessiveness, and prepare family through clarity and ethical conduct rather than dependence on “my money” or “my protector.”