Shloka 18
Śānti-parva 168: Śoka-nivṛtti-buddhi (The Cognition that Reduces Grief) and Piṅgalā’s Nairāśya
अर्थार्थिन: सन्ति केचिदपरे स्वर्गकांक्षिण: । कुलप्रत्यागमाश्चैके स्वं स्वं धर्ममनुछिता:,सब प्रकारके संग्रहसे रहित, संकोचशील, शान्त, गेरुआ वस्त्रधारी, दाढ़ी-मूँछ बढ़ाये विद्वान् पुरुष भी धनकी अभिलाषा करते देखे गये हैं। कुछ दूसरे प्रकारके ऐसे लोग हैं जो स्वर्ग पानेकी इच्छा रखते हैं; और कुलपरम्परागत नियमोंका पालन करते हुए अपने-अपने वर्ण तथा आश्रमके धर्मोंका अनुष्ठान कर रहे हैं; किंतु वे भी धनकी इच्छा रखते हैं
arthārthinaḥ santi kecid apare svargakāṅkṣiṇaḥ | kulapratyāgamāś caike svaṃ svaṃ dharmam anuṣṭhitāḥ ||
Arjuna said: “Some people are seekers of wealth; others long for heaven. Some, adhering to the inherited customs of their lineage, diligently perform their respective duties. Yet even among those who appear restrained, quiet, and learned—living with outward signs of renunciation—there are many who still desire wealth.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that outward religiosity or even disciplined observance of duty can still be driven by desire—especially for wealth or heavenly reward. It points toward examining one’s inner motive, not merely one’s external conduct.
Arjuna observes the variety of human aims: some openly pursue wealth, others pursue heaven, and some follow inherited family customs and prescribed duties. He notes that even those who seem ascetic and learned may still harbor attachment to wealth, raising a moral question about sincerity and true detachment.