Shloka 32
The Deliverance of King Nṛga and the Warning Against Taking Brāhmaṇa Property
दुर्जरं बत ब्रह्मस्वं भुक्तमग्नेर्मनागपि । तेजीयसोऽपि किमुत राज्ञां ईश्वरमानिनाम् ॥ ३२ ॥
durjaraṁ bata brahma-svaṁ bhuktam agner manāg api tejīyaso ’pi kim uta rājñāṁ īśvara-māninām
A brāhmaṇa’s property is truly indigestible: even one more powerful than fire cannot bear to enjoy it, though only slightly. What then of kings who, thinking themselves lords, try to relish it?
Even those made powerful by austerity, mystic yoga and so on cannot enjoy property stolen from a brāhmaṇa, and what to speak of others.
FAQs
This verse warns that brahma-sva (a brāhmaṇa’s property) is “undigestible”—even a small misuse burns like fire, bringing severe karmic reactions.
He emphasizes that if ordinary people suffer for exploiting brāhmaṇa wealth, proud rulers—stronger and more prone to domination—face even greater ruin when they act with īśvara-māna (false lordship).
Avoid exploiting sacred institutions, teachers, and devoted servants; practice humility, ethical stewardship of resources, and treat spiritual communities with respect to prevent harmful reactions.