Shloka 26
अध्याय १७८ — प्राणवायुगतिः तथा शारीराग्निव्यवस्था
Adhyāya 178 — The courses of prāṇa-vāyu and the regulation of the bodily fire
ईहा धनस्य न सुखा लब्ध्वा चिन्ता च भूयसी । लब्धनाशे यथा मृत्युर्लब्धं भवति वा न वा
īhā dhanasya na sukhā labdhvā cintā ca bhūyasī | labdhanāśe yathā mṛtyur labdhaṃ bhavati vā na vā ||
Bhīṣma said: Striving for wealth is not, in itself, a source of happiness. Even when wealth is obtained, greater anxiety arises over guarding and managing it. And if, after being gained, it is lost, the anguish is as dreadful as death itself. Moreover, even with effort, it is never certain whether wealth will come or not.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Wealth-seeking does not reliably produce happiness: acquisition brings increased worry, loss brings death-like suffering, and even effort cannot guarantee success. Therefore one should cultivate contentment and reduce attachment to wealth.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma and right living, Bhīṣma advises Yudhiṣṭhira by reflecting on the psychological and ethical burdens of wealth—its pursuit, protection, and potential loss.