Shloka 8
Vasiṣṭha on Saṃsāra, Guṇas, and Misattributed Agency
Mahābhārata 12.292
तैरेव फलपन्रैश्न स माठरमतोषयत् । तस्माल्लेभे परं स्थान शैब्योडपि पृथिवीपति:,पृथ्वीपालक महाराज शैब्यने भी उन फल और पत्रोंसे ही माठर मुनिको संतुष्ट किया था, जिससे उन्हें उत्तम लोककी प्राप्ति हुई
taireva phalapatraiś ca sa māṭharam atoṣayat | tasmāl lebhe paraṃ sthānaṃ śaibyo 'pi pṛthivīpatiḥ ||
With those very fruits and leaves alone, King Śaibya satisfied the sage Māṭhara. Therefore, even Śaibya—though a ruler of the earth—attained the highest state. The passage underscores that sincere, simple offerings given with reverence can outweigh material abundance and lead to exalted spiritual reward.
पराशर उवाच
Educational Q&A
True merit lies in sincerity and reverence rather than the costliness of a gift. Even a simple offering—fruits and leaves—when given with proper intent and respect to a worthy recipient, can lead to the highest spiritual attainment.
Parāśara recounts that King Śaibya pleased the sage Māṭhara using only fruits and leaves as offerings. Because the sage was satisfied, Śaibya gained an exalted posthumous state, illustrating the power of humble hospitality and righteous conduct.