Shloka 7
मातरं पितरं वृद्धं भार्यां साध्वीं सुतं शिशुम् । गुरुं विप्रं प्रपन्नं च कल्पोऽबिभ्रच्छ्वसन् मृत: ॥ ७ ॥
mātaraṁ pitaraṁ vṛddhaṁ bhāryāṁ sādhvīṁ sutam śiśum guruṁ vipraṁ prapannaṁ ca kalpo ’bibhrac chvasan-mṛtaḥ
A man who, though able, fails to support his aged mother and father, his chaste wife, his small child, and his spiritual master—or who neglects a brāhmaṇa or anyone who comes seeking shelter—is considered dead, though still breathing.
FAQs
This verse says that even if one is materially able, abandoning parents, spouse, children, guru, brāhmaṇas, or anyone who has taken shelter makes one “dead while breathing,” meaning spiritually fallen and blameworthy.
Because dharma is lived through protection and service to those one is bound to support; neglecting them destroys one’s moral and spiritual life, leaving only the appearance of living.
Keep clear responsibilities: care for parents and dependents, honor marriage and family duties, support teachers and spiritual guides, and never exploit those who rely on you—make devotion practical through dependable service.