Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 25
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
पुंसोऽयं संसृतेर्हेतुरसन्तोषोऽर्थकामयो: । यदृच्छयोपपन्नेन सन्तोषो मुक्तये स्मृत: ॥ २५ ॥
puṁso ’yaṁ saṁsṛter hetur asantoṣo ’rtha-kāmayoḥ yadṛcchayopapannena santoṣo muktaye smṛtaḥ
L’existence matérielle se perpétue par l’insatisfaction envers la richesse et le désir. Mais celui qui se contente de ce que le destin lui apporte est tenu pour apte à la délivrance.
FAQs
This verse states that dissatisfaction with wealth and sense pleasure binds one to saṁsāra, while being content with what comes naturally (yadṛcchayā) is a recognized path toward liberation.
Because craving for more artha (wealth) and kāma (enjoyment) keeps the mind restless and drives repeated karmic action, which perpetuates birth and death.
Do your duties sincerely, but reduce anxiety-driven greed: accept outcomes with equanimity, curb endless consumption, and cultivate inner satisfaction through sādhana and devotion.