Shloka 32
नात: परतरो लोके पुंस: स्वार्थव्यतिक्रम: । यदध्यन्यस्य प्रेयस्त्वमात्मन: स्वव्यतिक्रमात् ॥ ३२ ॥
nātaḥ parataro loke puṁsaḥ svārtha-vyatikramaḥ yad-adhy anyasya preyastvam ātmanaḥ sva-vyatikramāt
In this world there is no greater obstruction to one’s true self-interest than to deem other matters more pleasing than self-realization.
Human life is especially meant for self-realization. “Self” refers to the Superself and the individual self, the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the living entity. When, however, one becomes more interested in the body and bodily sense gratification, he creates for himself obstructions on the path of self-realization. By the influence of māyā, one becomes more interested in sense gratification, which is prohibited in this world for those interested in self-realization. Instead of becoming interested in sense gratification, one should divert his activities to satisfy the senses of the Supreme Soul. Anything performed contrary to this principle is certainly against one’s self-interest.
FAQs
This verse warns that the greatest loss is abandoning one’s real welfare (svārtha/shreyas) in pursuit of what merely seems pleasing (preyas), even if done for others.
While instructing his people on righteous living, Pṛthu Mahārāja emphasized that real leadership and charity must not compromise one’s spiritual duty and ultimate good.
Help others, but do not neglect sādhana, integrity, and dharma; prioritize practices that uplift the soul (devotion, truthfulness, self-control) over short-term people-pleasing.