Shloka 64
Kurukṣetra Pilgrimage: Sages Praise Kṛṣṇa; Vasudeva Inquires on Karma; Viṣṇu-yajña Performed
मा राज्यश्रीरभूत् पुंस: श्रेयस्कामस्य मानद । स्वजनानुत बन्धून् वा न पश्यति ययान्धदृक् ॥ ६४ ॥
mā rājya-śrīr abhūt puṁsaḥ śreyas-kāmasya māna-da sva-janān uta bandhūn vā na paśyati yayāndha-dṛk
O most respectful one, may a person who wants the highest benefit in life never gain kingly opulence, for it leaves him blind to the needs of his own family and friends.
It is, of course, out of his deep humility that Vasudeva is berating himself, but his condemnation of opulence is in general valid. Earlier in this canto Nārada Muni delivered a stinging criticism of Nalakūvara and Maṇigrīva, two wealthy sons of Kuvera, the treasurer of heaven. Intoxicated by both pride and liquor, the two had failed to offer proper respects to Nārada when he happened upon them as they sported naked in the Mandākinī River with some young women. Seeing them in their shameful condition, Nārada said,
FAQs
This verse warns that royal opulence can blind a person’s discernment, making him neglect even close family and well-wishers, and thus obstruct the pursuit of true spiritual welfare (śreyas).
In the Kurukṣetra assembly context, Kṛṣṇa emphasizes that the highest good is not secured by power and prestige; rather, attachment to rulership can cloud judgment and weaken one’s spiritual priorities.
Treat success as a responsibility, not an identity—practice humility, keep close relationships and wise counsel intact, and prioritize sādhana and service so prosperity does not become a source of spiritual blindness.