Shloka 1.53.23

शबलाप्रार्थना–वसिष्ठप्रतिज्ञा (The Request for Śabalā and Vasiṣṭha’s Refusal)

Devanagari script

एतदेव हि मे रत्नमेतदेव हि मे धनम्।एतदेव हि सर्वस्वमेतदेव हि जीवितम्।।1.53.23।।

Transliteration

etad eva hi me ratnam etad eva hi me dhanam | etad eva hi sarvasvam etad eva hi jīvitam || 1.53.23 ||

Translation

For this alone is my jewel; this alone is my wealth. This alone is my all—this alone is my very life.

Context

"This is verily my jewel, my wealth my very life. This is all-in-all for me.

Characters & Entities

• Śabalā (implied by context)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma prioritizes what sustains righteous living over external riches; the verse asserts an inner hierarchy of values where sacred support outranks material wealth.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha explains why he cannot part with Śabalā: she is central to his life and means of dharmic living.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Clarity of values and non-attachment to conventional wealth, paired with devotion to the supports of righteous practice.