Shloka 12
नरनारायण-नारदसंवादः
Nara-Nārāyaṇa–Nārada Discourse on Vision, Elements, and Entry into Vāsudeva
भूतानामपर: कश्रिद्धिंसायां सततोत्थित: । वज्चनायां च लोकस्य स सुखेष्वेव जीर्यते
bhūtānām aparaḥ kaścid dhiṃsāyāṃ satatotthitaḥ | vañcanāyāṃ ca lokasya sa sukheṣv eva jīryate ||
நாரதர் கூறினார்—சிலர் எப்போதும் உயிர்களைப் பீடிப்பதிலேயே ஈடுபட்டு உலகை ஏமாற்றுகின்றனர்; ஆயினும் அவர்கள் இன்பங்களை அனுபவித்தபடியே முதுமை அடைகின்றனர்.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a moral paradox: some people commit violence and deceive others yet appear to thrive and reach old age in comfort. It prompts reflection on the difference between outward prosperity and inner/ethical accountability, preparing the ground for deeper discussion of karma, justice, and dharma.
Narada is describing a category of wrongdoers—habitual in harming beings and cheating society—who nevertheless seem to live pleasantly. This observation functions as an example within a broader Shanti Parva discourse on conduct, consequences, and the complexities of moral order.