Shloka 38
Kurukṣetra Pilgrimage: Sages Praise Kṛṣṇa; Vasudeva Inquires on Karma; Viṣṇu-yajña Performed
वित्तैषणां यज्ञदानैर्गृहैर्दारसुतैषणाम् । आत्मलोकैषणां देव कालेन विसृजेद्बुध: । ग्रामे त्यक्तैषणा: सर्वे ययुर्धीरास्तपोवनम् ॥ ३८ ॥
vittaiṣaṇāṁ yajña-dānair gṛhair dāra-sutaiṣaṇām ātma-lokaiṣaṇāṁ deva kālena visṛjed budhaḥ grāme tyaktaiṣaṇāḥ sarve yayur dhīrās tapo-vanam
Orang bijak hendaknya menanggalkan hasrat akan harta melalui yajña dan dana; menanggalkan hasrat akan istri dan anak dengan mengalami hidup berumah tangga; dan, wah Vāsudeva yang suci, menanggalkan hasrat naik ke loka yang lebih tinggi dengan memahami dampak waktu. Para resi yang menguasai diri, setelah melepaskan keterikatan rumah tangga, pergi ke hutan tapa.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a wise person progressively abandons cravings—first for wealth through sacrifice and charity, then household attachment, and ultimately even subtle ambitions—moving toward a life centered on austerity and spiritual realization.
He emphasizes the classical Vedic progression from worldly life to deeper renunciation: when desires are relinquished, the sober-hearted seek an environment and lifestyle (tapasya) that supports exclusive spiritual practice and liberation.
Practice gradual renunciation: simplify consumption, give charity, reduce identity-based ambitions, and create a daily “tapo-vanam” through steady sādhana—japa, study, and service—while responsibly fulfilling duties.