Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 20
Nārada’s Instructions: Śrāddha, True Dharma, Contentment, Yoga, and Devotion-Centered Renunciation
कामस्यान्तं हि क्षुत्तृड्भ्यां क्रोधस्यैतत्फलोदयात् । जनो याति न लोभस्य जित्वा भुक्त्वा दिशो भुव: ॥ २० ॥
kāmasyāntaṁ hi kṣut-tṛḍbhyāṁ krodhasyaitat phalodayāt jano yāti na lobhasya jitvā bhuktvā diśo bhuvaḥ
飢えと渇きに乱される者の欲求は食によって満たされ、怒りも懲戒とその反作用によって鎮まる。だが貪欲は、四方を征服し万物を享受しても、決して満たされない。
In Bhagavad-gītā (3.37) it is stated that lust, anger and greed are the causes of the conditioned soul’s bondage in this material world. Kāma eṣa krodha eṣa rajo-guṇa-samudbhavaḥ . When strong lusty desires for sense gratification are unfulfilled, one becomes angry. This anger can be satisfied when one chastises his enemy, but when there is an increase in lobha, or greed, which is the greatest enemy caused by rajo-guṇa, the mode of passion, how can one advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness?
FAQs
This verse states that greed is insatiable—unlike lust or anger, it does not end even after one gains and enjoys vast worldly dominion.
In his instructions on proper human conduct, Prahlāda highlights the inner enemies that bind the soul, emphasizing that greed is especially endless and therefore dangerous.
Recognize that more acquisition will not cure greed; practice contentment, simplify desires, and redirect ambition toward devotion and service rather than accumulation.