Shloka 17
धन-राजधर्म संवादः
Discourse on Wealth and Royal Duty
अर्थाद् धर्मश्न कामश्न स्वर्गश्वैव नराधिप । प्राणयात्रापि लोकस्य विना हार्थ न सिद्धयति,नरेश्वर! धनसे ही धर्म, काम और स्वर्गकी सिद्धि होती है। लोगोंके जीवनका निर्वाह भी बिना धनके नहीं होता
arthād dharmaś ca kāmaś ca svargaś caiva narādhipa | prāṇayātrāpi lokasya vinā arthān na sidhyati nareśvara ||
Arjuna said: “O lord of men, from wealth arise the fulfillment of dharma and desire, and even the attainment of heaven. Indeed, the very maintenance of people’s lives cannot be accomplished without wealth, O king.”
अर्जुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Wealth (artha) is presented as a practical foundation for human aims: it supports righteous living (dharma), legitimate enjoyment (kāma), and even religious merit leading to heaven (svarga); without resources, basic livelihood itself becomes difficult.
Arjuna addresses a king, arguing that material means are indispensable for sustaining society and for accomplishing both worldly and religious goals, emphasizing the interdependence of ethical life and economic support.