Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 17
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
अर्थस्य साधने सिद्धे उत्कर्षे रक्षणे व्यये । नाशोपभोग आयासस्त्रासश्चिन्ता भ्रमो नृणाम् ॥ १७ ॥
arthasya sādhane siddhe utkarṣe rakṣaṇe vyaye nāśopabhoga āyāsas trāsaś cintā bhramo nṛṇām
Dalam mencari, memperoleh, menambah, menjaga, membelanjakan, kehilangan dan menikmati harta, manusia mengalami penat, takut, bimbang dan keliru.
FAQs
This verse explains that wealth brings distress in acquisition, increase, protection, spending, loss, and even enjoyment—resulting in fatigue, fear, anxiety, and delusion.
King Yadu questioned the Avadhūta’s inner peace; the Avadhūta taught that detachment from wealth and its endless burdens is a key reason for genuine tranquility.
Use wealth as a tool for dharma and service, keep simple needs, avoid obsessive accumulation, and reduce fear by remembering that peace depends on inner devotion—not possessions.