Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 3
Rantideva’s Supreme Charity and the Hastī Lineage
Hastināpura and Pañcāla Origins
वियद्वित्तस्य ददतो लब्धं लब्धं बुभुक्षत: । निष्किञ्चनस्य धीरस्य सकुटुम्बस्य सीदत: ॥ ३ ॥ व्यतीयुरष्टचत्वारिंशदहान्यपिबत: किल । घृतपायससंयावं तोयं प्रातरुपस्थितम् ॥ ४ ॥ कृच्छ्रप्राप्तकुटुम्बस्य क्षुत्तृड्भ्यां जातवेपथो: । अतिथिर्ब्राह्मण: काले भोक्तुकामस्य चागमत् ॥ ५ ॥
viyad-vittasya dadato labdhaṁ labdhaṁ bubhukṣataḥ niṣkiñcanasya dhīrasya sakuṭumbasya sīdataḥ
Rantideva ne s’efforça jamais d’amasser des richesses. Il vivait de ce que la Providence lui accordait, mais lorsque des hôtes arrivaient, il donnait tout. Ainsi, avec sa famille, il endura de grandes souffrances; bien qu’ils frissonnassent faute de nourriture et d’eau, il demeurait calme et maître de lui.
FAQs
This verse highlights the ideal of selfless giving: Rantideva, though hungry and materially destitute, would donate whatever food he obtained, showing charity rooted in detachment and devotion.
Because he did not identify with ownership and remained steady-minded even amid hunger and hardship, continuing to serve others without selfish motive.
Practice mindful generosity—share time, food, or resources according to capacity—while reducing possessiveness and keeping service to others as a devotional principle.