Shloka 13
Kapila’s Analysis of Materialistic Life, Death, and the Path to Hell
Kāla, Karma, and Yamadūtas
एवं स्वभरणाकल्पं तत्कलत्रादयस्तथा । नाद्रियन्ते यथापूर्वं कीनाशा इव गोजरम् ॥ १३ ॥
evaṁ sva-bharaṇākalpaṁ tat-kalatrādayas tathā nādriyante yathā pūrvaṁ kīnāśā iva go-jaram
Seeing him unable even to maintain himself, his wife and others no longer honor him as before—just as miserly farmers do not treat with the same regard an old, worn-out ox.
Not only in the present age but from time immemorial, no one has liked an old man who is unable to earn in the family. Even in the modern age, in some communities or states, the old men are given poison so that they will die as soon as possible. In some cannibalistic communities, the old grandfather is sportingly killed, and a feast is held in which his body is eaten. The example is given that a farmer does not like an old bull who has ceased to work. Similarly, when an attached person in family life becomes old and is unable to earn, he is no longer liked by his wife, sons, daughters and other kinsmen, and he is consequently neglected, what to speak of not being given respect. It is judicious, therefore, to give up family attachment before one attains old age and take shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. One should employ himself in the Lord’s service so that the Supreme Lord can take charge of him and he will not be neglected by his so-called kinsmen.
FAQs
This verse states that when one becomes unable to maintain even oneself, dependents like wife and family often stop honoring him—illustrated by the example of an old ox no longer valued by farmers.
Kapila is describing the painful results of materialistic life and fruitive activity, urging detachment and spiritual focus rather than relying on temporary social or familial honor.
Don’t base identity or security solely on utility, status, or relationships; cultivate devotion and inner spiritual strength so dignity and purpose remain steady through aging and changing circumstances.