Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 18
Parīkṣit’s Inquiry into Vṛtrāsura’s Bhakti and the Beginning of Citraketu’s Trial
आत्मानं प्रकृतिष्वद्धा निधाय श्रेय आप्नुयात् । राज्ञा तथा प्रकृतयो नरदेवाहिताधय: ॥ १८ ॥
ātmānaṁ prakṛtiṣv addhā nidhāya śreya āpnuyāt rājñā tathā prakṛtayo naradevāhitādhayaḥ
Wahai raja, tuan manusia, apabila seorang raja bergantung secara langsung pada para pembantunya dan mengikuti nasihat mereka yang membawa kebaikan, dia berbahagia. Demikian juga para pembantu, dengan mempersembahkan hasil kerja dan pemberian mereka kepada raja serta mematuhi perintahnya, turut berbahagia.
The actual happiness of a king and his dependents is described in this verse. A king should not simply give orders to his dependents because he is supreme; sometimes he must follow their instructions. Similarly, the dependents should depend on the king. This mutual dependence will make everyone happy.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a king attains true welfare by trusting and relying on faithful ministers and citizens, and that subjects also prosper when they sincerely hold the ruler’s welfare as their own concern.
Calling the king 'naradeva' highlights the sacred responsibility of kingship in Bhagavata dharma—rulers must act as God’s representative for protection and welfare, and subjects respond with loyal, welfare-centered intent.
Healthy communities and organizations thrive when leaders build trust and delegate to reliable people, and when members act with goodwill toward the leader’s mission rather than selfish rivalry.