Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 8
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
दु:शीलस्य कदर्यस्य द्रुह्यन्ते पुत्रबान्धवा: । दारा दुहितरो भृत्या विषण्णा नाचरन् प्रियम् ॥ ८ ॥
duḥśīlasya kadaryasya druhyante putra-bāndhavāḥ dārā duhitaro bhṛtyā viṣaṇṇā nācaran priyam
À cause de sa mauvaise conduite et de son avarice, ses fils, ses proches, son épouse, ses filles et ses serviteurs commencèrent à le prendre en inimitié. Dégoûtés, ils ne le traitaient plus avec affection.
FAQs
This verse says that miserliness combined with bad character makes even one’s own family and dependents lose affection and become hostile, because such a person fails to act with warmth, generosity, and proper conduct.
In the Avadhūta’s teachings, Śukadeva highlights the worldly misery caused by greed and degraded behavior, strengthening the lesson of detachment and the need to cultivate virtue and devotion rather than hoarding.
It advises cultivating good character, generosity, and considerate behavior; otherwise, relationships erode. Practically, share resources, speak kindly, and prioritize dharma and devotion over selfish accumulation.