Shloka 50
Brahmā’s Prayers to Lord Kṛṣṇa (Brahmā-stuti) and the Restoration of Vraja’s Lunch Pastime
श्रीशुक उवाच सर्वेषामपि भूतानां नृप स्वात्मैव वल्लभ: । इतरेऽपत्यवित्ताद्यास्तद्वल्लभतयैव हि ॥ ५० ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca sarveṣām api bhūtānāṁ nṛpa svātmaiva vallabhaḥ itare ’patya-vittādyās tad-vallabhatayaiva hi
Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: O King, for every living being the dearest is certainly one’s own self (ātman). The dearness of children, wealth, and all else is only because the self is dear.
Sometimes modern thinkers become puzzled when they study the psychology of moral behavior. Although every living entity is inclined toward self-preservation, as stated here, sometimes a person voluntarily sacrifices his own apparent interest through philanthropic or patriotic activities, such as giving his money for the benefit of others or giving his life for the national interest. Such so-called selfless behavior appears to contradict the principle of material self-centeredness and self-preservation.
FAQs
This verse says we love children, wealth, and other things only because they relate to our own self; the self is naturally the most dear.
Śukadeva instructs Parīkṣit in spiritual discernment—showing that worldly attachments are secondary and should be redirected toward the Supreme through bhakti.
Recognize attachment’s root (self-interest), then consciously practice detachment and devotional service—using family and wealth responsibly without making them the ultimate shelter.