Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 33
Paramahaṁsa-Dharma: The Avadhūta-like Sannyāsī and Prahlāda’s Dialogue with the ‘Python’ Saint
राजतश्चौरत: शत्रो: स्वजनात्पशुपक्षित: । अर्थिभ्य: कालत: स्वस्मान्नित्यं प्राणार्थवद्भयम् ॥ ३३ ॥
rājataś caurataḥ śatroḥ sva-janāt paśu-pakṣitaḥ arthibhyaḥ kālataḥ svasmān nityaṁ prāṇārthavad bhayam
แม้ผู้มั่งมีและทรงอำนาจทางโลกก็เต็มไปด้วยความกังวลเสมอ—เพราะกฎหมายของรัฐ โจร ศัตรู ญาติพี่น้อง สัตว์และนก ผู้ขอทาน กาลเวลา และแม้แต่ตนเอง จึงหวาดกลัวอยู่เนืองนิตย์
The word svasmāt means “from one’s self.” Because of attachment for money, the richest person is even afraid of himself. He fears that he may have locked his money in an unsafe manner or might have committed some mistake. Aside from the government and its income tax and aside from thieves, even a rich man’s own relatives are always thinking of how to take advantage of him and take away his money. Sometimes these relatives are described as sva- janaka-dasyu, which means “rogues and thieves in the guise of relatives.” Therefore, there is no need to accumulate wealth or unnecessarily endeavor for more and more money. The real business of life is to ask “Who am I?” and to understand one’s self. One should understand the position of the living entity in this material world and understand how to return home, back to Godhead.
FAQs
This verse explains that one who is absorbed in guarding life and possessions experiences fear from every direction—rulers, thieves, enemies, relatives, creatures, needy people, time, and even one’s own body.
In his instructions on civilized life and renunciation (Canto 7, Chapter 13), Prahlada highlights how material security creates constant anxiety, urging the listener toward detachment and devotion as the real shelter.
Reduce over-attachment to possessions and status, simplify needs, and anchor daily life in bhakti (hearing, chanting, remembrance); this lessens anxiety born from trying to control everything.