Shloka 40
अव्यक्त–प्रकृति–इन्द्रियविचारः
The Unmanifest, Prakṛtis, and the Sense-Complex
माता पुत्र: पिता भ्राता भार्या मित्रजनस्तथा | अष्टापदपदस्थाने लक्षमुद्रेव लक्ष्यते
mātā putraḥ pitā bhrātā bhāryā mitra-janās tathā | aṣṭāpada-pada-sthāne lakṣa-mudreva lakṣyate ||
Parāśara said: “Mother, son, father, brother, wife, and even one’s circle of friends—when the true standard is present, they are seen to be like a mere lacquer token placed where a gold coin ought to be.” The verse warns that worldly relations, though dear, can appear insubstantial when weighed against the higher measure of truth and dharma, especially when attachment replaces discernment.
पराशर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches discernment: even the closest relationships can become ‘counterfeit’ in value when judged against the true standard of dharma and inner truth. It cautions against mistaking emotional attachment for ultimate worth.
Parāśara is delivering an instructive reflection in the Śānti Parva, using a monetary metaphor—gold coin versus lacquer token—to illustrate how worldly ties may appear inferior or illusory when one’s perspective is aligned with higher ethical and spiritual standards.