Shloka 12
नरनारायण-नारदसंवादः
Nara-Nārāyaṇa–Nārada Discourse on Vision, Elements, and Entry into Vāsudeva
भूतानामपर: कश्रिद्धिंसायां सततोत्थित: । वज्चनायां च लोकस्य स सुखेष्वेव जीर्यते,कोई-कोई मनुष्य तो सदा प्राणियोंकी हिंसामें ही लगा रहता है और सब लोगोंको धोखा दिया करता है, तो भी वह सुख ही भोगते-भोगते बूढ़ा होता है
bhūtānām aparaḥ kaścid dhiṃsāyāṃ satatotthitaḥ | vañcanāyāṃ ca lokasya sa sukheṣv eva jīryate ||
Nārada said: There is another kind of person who is constantly intent on harming living beings and who also deceives the world. Yet he grows old while continuing to enjoy pleasures—seemingly prospering despite his cruelty and fraud.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a moral paradox: some people commit violence and deceive others yet appear to thrive and reach old age in comfort. It prompts reflection on the difference between outward prosperity and inner/ethical accountability, preparing the ground for deeper discussion of karma, justice, and dharma.
Narada is describing a category of wrongdoers—habitual in harming beings and cheating society—who nevertheless seem to live pleasantly. This observation functions as an example within a broader Shanti Parva discourse on conduct, consequences, and the complexities of moral order.