Shloka 32
Mucukunda’s Departure; Jarāsandha’s Pursuit; Prelude to Rukmiṇī’s Abduction
Rukmiṇī’s Message Begins
असन्तुष्टोऽसकृल्लोकानाप्नोत्यपि सुरेश्वर: । अकिञ्चनोऽपि सन्तुष्ट: शेते सर्वाङ्गविज्वर: ॥ ३२ ॥
asantuṣṭo ’sakṛl lokān āpnoty api sureśvaraḥ akiñcano ’pi santuṣṭaḥ śete sarvāṅga-vijvaraḥ
Le brāhmaṇa insatisfait erre sans repos de monde en monde, même s’il devient roi du ciel; mais le brāhmaṇa satisfait, bien qu’il ne possède rien, repose en paix, tous ses membres délivrés de la souffrance.
Those who are unsatisfied feel distress throughout their body, becoming subject to many diseases. A satisfied brāhmaṇa, however, though he may possess nothing, is peaceful and calm, and there is no distress within his body or mind.
FAQs
This verse says that without contentment, even a powerful ruler like Indra cannot find real happiness, whereas a materially poor person who is satisfied rests peacefully, free from inner “fever” (agitation).
Indra is cited as the highest example of worldly power and enjoyment; the point is that dissatisfaction defeats even heavenly opulence, while satisfaction grants peace even without possessions.
Reduce craving-driven comparison, practice gratitude and simplicity, and cultivate devotion—contentment cools the mind’s agitation and brings steadiness even amid limited resources.