Shloka 36
Pṛthu Mahārāja Meets the Four Kumāras: Bhakti as the Boat Across Saṁsāra
परेऽवरे च ये भावा गुणव्यतिकरादनु । न तेषां विद्यते क्षेममीशविध्वंसिताशिषाम् ॥ ३६ ॥
pare ’vare ca ye bhāvā guṇa-vyatikarād anu na teṣāṁ vidyate kṣemam īśa-vidhvaṁsitāśiṣām
The higher and lower conditions of life we take as blessings exist only through the interplay of the material modes. In truth they hold no lasting security, for all are destined to be destroyed by the Supreme Controller.
In our material existence we accept a higher form of life as a blessing and a lower form as a curse. This distinction of “higher” and “lower” only exists as long as the different material qualities ( guṇas ) interact. In other words, by our good activities we are elevated to the higher planetary systems or to a higher standard of life (good education, beautiful body, etc.). These are the results of pious activities. Similarly, by impious activities we remain illiterate, get ugly bodies, a poor standard of living, etc. But all these different states of life are under the laws of material nature through the interaction of the qualities of goodness, passion and ignorance. However, all these qualities will cease to act at the time of the dissolution of the entire cosmic manifestation. The Lord therefore says in Bhagavad-gītā (8.16) :
FAQs
This verse says that the higher and lower states produced by the mixed modes of nature cannot give lasting welfare; they remain within material fluctuation.
While instructing his citizens, Pṛthu emphasizes that true good comes when the Lord breaks one’s dependence on material benedictions, turning the heart toward spiritual shelter.
Don’t measure success only by “better” or “worse” material conditions; use setbacks as a prompt to reduce cravings and strengthen devotion, character, and spiritual practice.