Shloka 9
केचित् सर्व परित्यज्य तूष्णीं ध्यायन्त आसते । राज्यमेके प्रशंसन्ति प्रजानां परिपालनम्
kecit sarvaṃ parityajya tūṣṇīṃ dhyāyanta āsate | rājyam eke praśaṃsanti prajānāṃ paripālanam |
Devastāna said: “Some, renouncing everything, sit in silence absorbed in contemplation. Others praise kingship—specifically the protection and proper governance of the people.”
देवस्थान उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts two respected paths: renunciant quiet contemplation and active worldly duty through righteous kingship. It implies that dharma can be pursued either by withdrawing from possessions and cultivating inner realization, or by accepting responsibility to protect and sustain society.
Devastāna is describing differing viewpoints about the best way of life: some advocate total renunciation and silent meditation, while others uphold the value of ruling—especially the ethical obligation of safeguarding and caring for the people.