Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 21
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
अर्थेनाल्पीयसा ह्येते संरब्धा दीप्तमन्यव: । त्यजन्त्याशु स्पृधो घ्नन्ति सहसोत्सृज्य सौहृदम् ॥ २१ ॥
arthenālpīyasā hy ete saṁrabdhā dīpta-manyavaḥ tyajanty āśu spṛdho ghnanti sahasotsṛjya sauhṛdam
Pour une somme infime, ces proches et amis s’emportent, leur colère s’embrase. Devenus rivaux, ils renoncent vite à toute bienveillance et, en un instant, rejettent l’amitié—jusqu’au meurtre.
FAQs
This verse says that even a small amount of material gain can inflame anger and rivalry, making people abandon friendship and even harm one another.
In the Uddhava-gītā, Kṛṣṇa teaches renunciation and clear discrimination by exposing how attachment to trivial material profit destroys goodwill and leads to conflict.
Treat money as a tool, not a master—avoid competitive envy, keep relationships above profit, and practice contentment to prevent anger and needless conflict.