Shloka 12
अदारा-नीति
Crisis Composure) and ‘Jaya’ Śravaṇa (Morale-Instruction
रमते यस्तु पुत्रेण मोघं तस्य प्रजाफलम् । अकुर्वन्तो हि कर्माणि कुर्वन्तो निन्दितानि च
ramate yastu putreṇa moghaṃ tasya prajāphalam | akurvanto hi karmāṇi kurvanto ninditāni ca
But he who merely takes delight in his son—his ‘fruit’ in the form of progeny becomes futile. For such people, failing to do what ought to be done, instead engage in deeds that are blameworthy.
पुत्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
Having a son is not, by itself, a meaningful ‘fruit’ unless it is connected with dharma: one must perform proper duties and avoid censured actions. Mere attachment or pride in progeny, without righteous conduct, renders the expected benefit of progeny futile.
In Udyoga Parva’s counsel-laden context, the speaker identified as “the son” delivers a moral observation: people who simply delight in having a son but neglect rightful duties and commit blameworthy acts undermine the very purpose traditionally associated with progeny.