Shloka 9
Dadhīci’s Supreme Charity and the Opening of Indra’s War with Vṛtrāsura
एतावानव्ययो धर्म: पुण्यश्लोकैरुपासित: । यो भूतशोकहर्षाभ्यामात्मा शोचति हृष्यति ॥ ९ ॥
etāvān avyayo dharmaḥ puṇya-ślokair upāsitaḥ yo bhūta-śoka-harṣābhyām ātmā śocati hṛṣyati
ਇਹੀ ਅਵਿਨਾਸ਼ੀ ਧਰਮ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਪੁੰਨ੍ਯਸ਼ਲੋਕ ਮਹਾਪੁਰਖ ਸਿਰ ਮੱਥਾ ਟੇਕਦੇ ਹਨ—ਜੋ ਦੂਜਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਦੁੱਖ ਤੇ ਦੁਖੀ ਅਤੇ ਦੂਜਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਸੁਖ ਤੇ ਖੁਸ਼ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ।
One generally follows different types of religious principles or performs various occupational duties according to the body given to him by the modes of material nature. In this verse, however, real religious principles are explained. Everyone should be unhappy to see others in distress and happy to see others happy. Ātmavat sarva-bhūteṣu: one should feel the happiness and distress of others as his own. It is on this basis that the Buddhist religious principle of nonviolence — ahiṁsaḥ parama-dharmaḥ — is established. We feel pain when someone disturbs us, and therefore we should not inflict pain upon other living beings. Lord Buddha’s mission was to stop unnecessary animal killing, and therefore he preached that the greatest religious principle is nonviolence.
FAQs
It teaches that true, imperishable dharma is inner steadiness: the self should not be driven into grief or elation by material happiness and distress.
In the midst of battle, Vṛtrāsura instructs about spiritual composure—showing that even in extreme circumstances a devotee remains fixed, not swayed by worldly dualities.
Practice responding to success and failure with steadiness—do your duty, remember the Lord, and avoid letting temporary gains or losses dictate your inner peace.