Shloka 22
Vṛtrāsura Rebukes Indra; Heroic Combat and the Asura’s Pure Devotional Prayers
पुंसां किलैकान्तधियां स्वकानां या: सम्पदो दिवि भूमौ रसायाम् । न राति यद्द्वेष उद्वेग आधि- र्मद: कलिर्व्यसनं सम्प्रयास: ॥ २२ ॥
puṁsāṁ kilaikānta-dhiyāṁ svakānāṁ yāḥ sampado divi bhūmau rasāyām na rāti yad dveṣa udvega ādhir madaḥ kalir vyasanaṁ samprayāsaḥ
Ceux qui se livrent entièrement aux pieds de lotus du Seigneur Suprême et les contemplent sans cesse sont reconnus par Lui comme les Siens, comme Ses serviteurs. Pourtant, le Seigneur n’accorde pas à ces dévots les opulences éclatantes des mondes supérieur, médian et inférieur, car la richesse matérielle accroît l’inimitié, l’anxiété, le trouble intérieur, l’orgueil, la querelle, le malheur et l’effort pénible; et lorsqu’elle se perd, une grande souffrance s’ensuit.
In Bhagavad-gītā (4.11) the Lord says:
FAQs
This verse says that worldly and heavenly opulences are not a true blessing for one-pointed devotees, because such prosperity tends to produce envy, agitation, anxiety, pride, quarrel, misfortune, and exhausting struggle.
While facing Indra in battle, Vṛtrāsura reveals the mood of a pure devotee: he is not tempted by celestial gains or power, and he highlights how material ‘success’ often entangles the mind in conflict and distress.
Use success and resources without obsession—reduce comparison and rivalry, keep spiritual priorities first, and notice how envy, anxiety, and constant striving decrease when devotion becomes the central aim.