Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 8
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
दु:शीलस्य कदर्यस्य द्रुह्यन्ते पुत्रबान्धवा: । दारा दुहितरो भृत्या विषण्णा नाचरन् प्रियम् ॥ ८ ॥
duḥśīlasya kadaryasya druhyante putra-bāndhavāḥ dārā duhitaro bhṛtyā viṣaṇṇā nācaran priyam
അവന്റെ ദുഷ്ടസ്വഭാവവും കഞ്ഞുസ്വഭാവവും കാരണം പുത്രന്മാരും ബന്ധുക്കളും ഭാര്യയും പുത്രിമാരും സേവകരും അവനോട് വൈരഭാവം പുലർത്താൻ തുടങ്ങി. വെറുപ്പോടെ അവർ സ്നേഹത്തോടെ പെരുമാറിയില്ല.
FAQs
This verse says that miserliness combined with bad character makes even one’s own family and dependents lose affection and become hostile, because such a person fails to act with warmth, generosity, and proper conduct.
In the Avadhūta’s teachings, Śukadeva highlights the worldly misery caused by greed and degraded behavior, strengthening the lesson of detachment and the need to cultivate virtue and devotion rather than hoarding.
It advises cultivating good character, generosity, and considerate behavior; otherwise, relationships erode. Practically, share resources, speak kindly, and prioritize dharma and devotion over selfish accumulation.