Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 9
Bali Mahārāja Upholds Truth; Vāmana Reveals the Universal Form and Takes the Two Steps
सुलभा युधि विप्रर्षे ह्यनिवृत्तास्तनुत्यज: । न तथा तीर्थ आयाते श्रद्धया ये धनत्यज: ॥ ९ ॥
sulabhā yudhi viprarṣe hy anivṛttās tanu-tyajaḥ na tathā tīrtha āyāte śraddhayā ye dhana-tyajaḥ
Ô meilleur des brāhmaṇas, nombreux sont ceux qui, sans crainte, abandonnent leur vie sur le champ de bataille; mais il est rare d’obtenir la chance d’offrir avec foi sa richesse amassée à un saint qui fait naître des lieux de pèlerinage.
Many kṣatriyas have laid down their lives on the battlefield for their nations, but hardly a person can be found who has given up all his property and his accumulated wealth in charity to a person worthy of the gift. As stated in Bhagavad-gītā (17.20) :
FAQs
This verse says that giving up wealth with faith after coming to a tīrtha is rarer and more spiritually significant than merely dying in battle.
Bali contrasts ordinary heroism with the rarer virtue of faithful renunciation, reinforcing his resolve to act righteously and give in charity despite counsel to withdraw.
Practice deliberate, faith-based generosity—donate time or resources for sacred purposes—and cultivate non-attachment, rather than seeking only dramatic or outward displays of sacrifice.