Shloka 52
Mohinī’s Speech
Mohinyāḥ Bhāṣaṇam
अरक्षितं व्रजेद्राज्यं अनभ्यस्तं श्रुतं व्रजेत् । नालसैः प्राप्यते विद्या न भार्या व्रतसंस्थितैः ॥ ५२ ॥
arakṣitaṃ vrajedrājyaṃ anabhyastaṃ śrutaṃ vrajet | nālasaiḥ prāpyate vidyā na bhāryā vratasaṃsthitaiḥ || 52 ||
A kingdom left unguarded surely perishes; learning left unpracticed surely fades. Knowledge is not won by the lazy, and a wife is neither gained nor kept by one who clings only to vows while neglecting rightful worldly duties.
Narada (instructional aphorism within the broader Narada–Sanatkumara teaching style)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It teaches that dharma is sustained through vigilant protection and steady practice—whether it is a kingdom, sacred learning, or one’s household life—so spirituality must be grounded in disciplined effort, not neglect.
It implies that genuine devotion is not laziness or mere external vow-keeping; bhakti matures through consistent sādhana, self-control, and responsible conduct that protects one’s duties and relationships.
The principle of abhyāsa (repeated practice) is emphasized—relevant to Vedāṅga disciplines like Vyākaraṇa and Śikṣā, where learning remains firm only through continual recitation, application, and correction.