Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 6
The Sūtas Foretell the Glories and Future Deeds of King Pṛthu
वसु काल उपादत्ते काले चायं विमुञ्चति । सम: सर्वेषु भूतेषु प्रतपन् सूर्यवद्विभु: ॥ ६ ॥
vasu kāla upādatte kāle cāyaṁ vimuñcati samaḥ sarveṣu bhūteṣu pratapan sūryavad vibhuḥ
プリトゥ王は太陽神のごとく力強い。太陽が万人に等しく光を注ぐように、王もまたすべての生きとし生けるものに等しく慈悲を分かち与える。さらに、太陽が幾月も水を蒸発させ、雨季に豊かに返すように、王も民から税を取り、必要の時にはそれを還元する。
The process of tax exaction is very nicely explained in this verse. Tax exaction is not meant for the sense gratification of the so-called administrative heads. Tax revenues should be distributed to the citizens in times of need, during emergencies such as famine or flood. Tax revenues should never be distributed amongst governmental servants in the form of high salaries and various other allowances. In Kali-yuga, however, the position of the citizens is very horrible because taxes are exacted in so many forms and are spent for the personal comforts of the administrators.
FAQs
This verse says an ideal king collects wealth only as needed and gives it at the right time in charity, remains equal to all beings, and benefits everyone impartially—like the sun.
Because Pṛthu’s rule is impartial and universally beneficial: he protects, disciplines when necessary, and sustains the people without favoritism, just as the sun shines on all.
Earn responsibly, save with discipline, and give strategically—supporting dharmic causes and those in need when it will truly help—without bias or ego.