Shloka 783
योग–सांख्यसमन्वयः, रथोपमा, व्यक्त–अव्यक्तविवेकः
Yoga–Sāṃkhya Synthesis, Chariot Allegory, and the Vyakta–Avyakta Distinction
दृष्टवा द्वेषात् प्राहसन्त सुहृत्सम्भाविता हापि | जिन्हें हितेषी और मित्र समझा जाता था, वे ही लोग जब अपने सम्बन्धीके धनको आग लगने, चोरी हो जाने अथवा राजाके द्वारा छिन जानेसे नष्ट हुआ देखते हैं, तब द्वेषवश उसकी हँसी उड़ाते हैं
dṛṣṭvā dveṣāt prāhasanta suhṛt-sambhāvitā api |
Śakra said: Even those regarded as well-wishers and friends, when they see a kinsman’s wealth destroyed—by fire, by theft, or by seizure at the king’s hands—mock him out of malice. This verse lays bare how envy can corrupt social bonds and turn supposed friendship into cruelty at the moment of another’s loss.
शक्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse warns that envy (dveṣa) can make even reputed friends rejoice in another’s downfall. Ethical conduct requires compassion and restraint, especially when someone suffers loss; true friendship is tested in adversity, not prosperity.
Śakra (Indra) is describing a common moral failing: when a person’s wealth is destroyed or taken away, people who were thought to be allies may deride him out of spite. The statement functions as a reflective observation on society and character.