Shloka 8
The Earth Laughs at World-Conquering Kings; Yuga-Dharma and the Remedy for Kali
ममैवेयं मही कृत्स्ना न ते मूढेति वादिन: । स्पर्धमाना मिथो घ्नन्ति म्रियन्ते मत्कृते नृपा: ॥ ८ ॥
mamaiveyaṁ mahī kṛtsnā na te mūḍheti vādinaḥ spardhamānā mitho ghnanti mriyante mat-kṛte nṛpāḥ
ผู้นำท้าทายกันว่า “แผ่นดินทั้งหมดนี้เป็นของเรา ไม่ใช่ของเจ้า เจ้าคนเขลา!” ด้วยการแข่งขันเช่นนี้พวกเขาจึงโจมตีกันและตายลงเพราะเรา
This verse describes with brilliant clarity the mundane political mentality that provokes innumerable conflicts in the world. For example, as we prepare this translation of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, British and Argentine military forces are bitterly fighting over the tiny Falkland Islands.
FAQs
This verse says kings in Kali Yuga will claim the whole earth as ‘mine,’ insult others as fools, and due to rivalry will fight, kill, and even die merely for territory.
In Canto 12, Chapter 3, Śukadeva is listing the symptoms of Kali Yuga for King Parīkṣit—showing how dharma declines and rulers become driven by pride, greed, and aggression.
It warns against possessiveness and ego-based conflict; a devotee practices humility, sees resources as God’s trust, and cultivates contentment instead of rivalry.