Shloka 34
अध्याय १७८ — प्राणवायुगतिः तथा शारीराग्निव्यवस्था
Adhyāya 178 — The courses of prāṇa-vāyu and the regulation of the bodily fire
धननाशे<धिकं दुःखं मन्ये सर्वमहत्तरम् ज्ञातयो हावमन्यन्ते मित्राणि च धनाच्च्युतम्,“मैं तो समझता हूँ कि धनका नाश होनेपर जो अत्यन्त दुःख होता है, वही सबसे बढ़कर है; क्योंकि जो धनसे वज्चित हो जाता है, उसे अपने भाई-बन्धु और मित्र भी अपमानित करने लगते हैं
dhananāśe 'dhikaṁ duḥkhaṁ manye sarvamahattaram | jñātayo hāvamanyante mitrāṇi ca dhanāccyutam ||
Bhishma said: “I consider the grief that follows the loss of wealth to be the greatest of all; for when a man is deprived of riches, even his own kinsmen and friends begin to slight and dishonour him.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma highlights a social-ethical reality: loss of wealth often brings intense suffering because it can lead to loss of respect and support from one’s own circle. The teaching implicitly urges steadiness, discernment about worldly attachments, and compassion toward those who have fallen into poverty.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma and practical life, Bhishma is advising Yudhishthira. Here he reflects on the consequences of losing wealth, noting how relatives and friends may turn contemptuous toward a person who has become destitute.