Shloka 30
Mucukunda’s Departure; Jarāsandha’s Pursuit; Prelude to Rukmiṇī’s Abduction
Rukmiṇī’s Message Begins
कच्चिद् द्विजवरश्रेष्ठ धर्मस्ते वृद्धसम्मत: । वर्तते नातिकृच्छ्रेण सन्तुष्टमनस: सदा ॥ ३० ॥
kaccid dvija-vara-śreṣṭha dharmas te vṛddha-sammataḥ vartate nāti-kṛcchreṇa santuṣṭa-manasaḥ sadā
[The Supreme Lord said:] O best of brāhmaṇas, are your religious duties, approved by the elders, proceeding without great hardship? Is your mind always fully content?
Here we have translated the word dharma as “religious practice,” although this does not fully convey the Sanskrit sense of the word. Kṛṣṇa did not appear within a secular society. The people in Vedic times could hardly imagine a society that did not understand the need to obey God’s law. Thus to them the word dharma conveyed a sense of duty in general, higher principles, prescribed duty and so on. It was automatically understood that such duties were within a religious context. But religion in those days was not a specific aspect or department of life, but rather a guiding light for all activities. Irreligious life was considered demoniac, and God’s hand was seen in everything.
FAQs
This verse highlights dharma that is endorsed by wise elders and emphasizes practicing it without undue hardship, while maintaining inner satisfaction and steadiness of mind.
In the narrative of Rukmiṇī’s message (Canto 10, Chapter 52), Kṛṣṇa respectfully receives the brāhmaṇa and, as an ideal householder and protector of dharma, inquires about his righteous practice and inner contentment.
Perform your duties responsibly, guided by authentic tradition and wise counsel, simplify unnecessary struggles, and cultivate gratitude and steadiness so the mind stays peaceful even amid changing circumstances.