Shloka 18
Characteristics of the King and His Servants
Rāja-dharma, Nīti, and Ethical Revenue
त्यजन्ति मित्राणि धनैर्विहीनं पुत्राश्च दाराश्च सुहृज्जनाश्च / ते चार्थवन्तं पुनराश्रयन्ति ह्यर्थो हि लोके पुरुषस्य बन्धुः
tyajanti mitrāṇi dhanairvihīnaṃ putrāśca dārāśca suhṛjjanāśca / te cārthavantaṃ punarāśrayanti hyartho hi loke puruṣasya bandhuḥ
धनैर्विहीनं पुरुषं त्यजन्ति मित्राणि; पुत्रा दाराः सुहृज्जनाश्च। ते पुनरर्थवन्तं आश्रयन्ति, अर्थो हि लोके पुरुषस्य बन्धुः॥
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue instructing Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Worldly relationships can be contingent on wealth; one should cultivate inner resources—dharma, character, and spiritual refuge—rather than depend on fickle social ties.
Vedantic Theme: Anitya-saṃsāra and vairāgya; turning from external supports to the enduring (dharma/ātman/Bhagavān).
Application: Practice generosity without expectation; prepare for reversals; build community based on shared values; seek spiritual anchoring beyond material security.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Type: domestic/social sphere
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.111.17 (wealth as basis of social regard)
FAQs
It warns that many worldly bonds are conditional; this supports the Purana’s broader message to cultivate dharma and spiritual preparation rather than relying on social attachment at the time of death.
By showing the fragility of human support, it redirects attention to what actually aids the departed—dharma, merit, and prescribed rites—rather than expecting lasting protection from family or friends.
Build relationships on virtue, not utility; practice charity and right livelihood, and keep spiritual disciplines so one is not shaken when circumstances or wealth change.