Shloka 36
The Deliverance of King Nṛga and the Warning Against Taking Brāhmaṇa Property
राजानो राजलक्ष्म्यान्धा नात्मपातं विचक्षते । निरयं येऽभिमन्यन्ते ब्रह्मस्वं साधु बालिशा: ॥ ३६ ॥
rājāno rāja-lakṣmyāndhā nātma-pātaṁ vicakṣate nirayaṁ ye ’bhimanyante brahma-svaṁ sādhu bāliśāḥ
Los reyes, cegados por la fortuna real, no prevén su propia caída. Con ingenua necedad, al ansiar gozar de la riqueza de un brāhmaṇa, en realidad ansían el infierno.
FAQs
This verse warns that considering brahmasva—property belonging to brāhmaṇas and saintly persons—as something to exploit leads to severe karmic reaction and a hellish destination.
In the Syamantaka-jewel narrative, Śukadeva highlights how royal power and wealth can intoxicate rulers so they ignore long-term spiritual consequences, especially when they disrespect or appropriate what is sacred.
Do not misuse power, status, or wealth to exploit religious institutions, teachers, or the pious; instead cultivate humility, protect sacred trust, and act with accountability, knowing actions carry consequences.