Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 109
गङ्गामाहात्म्य — The Greatness of the Gaṅgā
अहो धनमदान्धस्तु पश्यन्नपि न पश्यति । यदि पश्यत्यात्महितं स पश्यति न संशयः ॥ १०९ ॥
aho dhanamadāndhastu paśyannapi na paśyati | yadi paśyatyātmahitaṃ sa paśyati na saṃśayaḥ || 109 ||
Alas! One blinded by the arrogance of wealth does not truly see, even while looking. But the one who perceives what is beneficial for the Self—he alone truly sees, without any doubt.
Narada (in instruction to the Sanatkumara tradition of dialogue)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It teaches that external perception is not real vision; true sight is discerning ātmahita—what leads to inner welfare, dharma, and liberation—rather than being deluded by wealth-born pride.
Bhakti requires humility and clear discernment; wealth-intoxication obstructs surrender and remembrance, while seeing ātmahita aligns one toward sincere devotion and God-centered living.
No specific Vedanga (like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa) is taught here; the practical takeaway is viveka—testing actions and goals by whether they serve ātmahita rather than ego and status.