Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 14
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
स चाहेदमहो कष्टं वृथात्मा मेऽनुतापित: । न धर्माय न कामाय यस्यार्थायास ईदृश: ॥ १४ ॥
sa cāhedam aho kaṣṭaṁ vṛthātmā me ’nutāpitaḥ na dharmāya na kāmāya yasyārthāyāsa īdṛśaḥ
バラモンは言った。「ああ、なんという大いなる不運！私はむなしく自らを苦しめた。これほど財のために労したのに、それはダルマのためでも享楽のためでもなかった。」
FAQs
This verse laments that intense labor for wealth becomes ‘in vain’ when it is not used for dharma (righteous purpose) or higher spiritual fulfillment—showing that mere accumulation without spiritual direction leads to regret.
He highlights the inner suffering caused by fruitless striving: when wealth is pursued without aligning life to dharma and spiritual progress, the soul feels tormented and dissatisfied, prompting repentance.
Earn and plan responsibly, but consciously connect your work to dharma—ethical living, service, charity, and devotion—so effort does not end in emptiness and regret.