Shloka 4
King Vena’s Tyranny, the Sages’ Counsel, and the Birth of Niṣāda
स आरूढनृपस्थान उन्नद्धोऽष्टविभूतिभि: । अवमेने महाभागान् स्तब्ध: सम्भावित: स्वत: ॥ ४ ॥
sa ārūḍha-nṛpa-sthāna unnaddho ’ṣṭa-vibhūtibhiḥ avamene mahā-bhāgān stabdhaḥ sambhāvitaḥ svataḥ
स नृपस्थानमारूढः अष्टविभूतिभिरुन्नद्धः। स्तब्धः स्वयमेवात्मानं सम्भाव्य महाभागान् अवमेने॥
In this verse the word aṣṭa-vibhūtibhiḥ, meaning “by eight opulences,” is very important. The king is supposed to possess eight kinds of opulences. By dint of mystic yoga practice, kings generally acquired these eight opulences. These kings were called rājarṣis, kings who were also great sages. By practicing mystic yoga, a rājarṣi could become smaller than the smallest, greater than the greatest, and could get whatever he desired. A rājarṣi could also create a kingdom, bring everyone under his control and rule everyone. These were some of the opulences of a king. King Vena, however, was not practiced in yoga, but he became very proud of his royal position nonetheless. Because he was not very considerate, he began to misuse his power and insult great personalities.
FAQs
This verse shows that when one attains high position and opulence, pride can arise, leading to disrespect of saintly persons—an early sign of adharma and spiritual downfall.
After ascending the throne, Vena became self-conceited and intoxicated by royal opulences, so he began to disregard and offend the noble, saintly persons.
Treat success as responsibility, not superiority—seek feedback from wise people, practice humility, and avoid belittling those who live by higher values.