Shloka 33
त्र्यशीतितमः सर्गः (Sarga 83)
Hanumān Reports Sītā’s ‘Slaying’; Rāma Collapses; Lakṣmaṇa’s Counter-Discourse on Dharma and Artha
अर्थेनहिविमुक्तस्यपुरुषस्याल्पचेतसः ।विच्छिद्यन्तेक्रियास्सर्वाग्रीष्मेकुसरितोयथा ।।6.83.33।।
arthena hi vimuktasya puruṣasyālpacetasaḥ |
vicchidyante kriyāḥ sarvā grīṣme kusarito yathā ||6.83.33||
Porque en el hombre de escaso entendimiento que se desprende de la riqueza, todas sus acciones se interrumpen, como arroyos pequeños que se secan en verano.
"Just like streams dry up in summer, if one who is of meagre intelligence and forsakes wealth, all his actions will be interrupted."
FAQs
It frames a cautionary lesson: without resources (artha), even intended duties and projects may fail. Ethically, it warns that dharmic aims require practical support and foresight.
In the lead-up to conflict, Rāvaṇa addresses Rāma and argues that renouncing wealth/power undermines effective action.
Practical prudence (nīti): the ability to sustain action through adequate means.