Shloka 21
Akrūra in Hastināpura: Kuntī’s Lament and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Moral Instruction
एक: प्रसूयते जन्तुरेक एव प्रलीयते । एकोऽनुभुङ्क्ते सुकृतमेक एव च दुष्कृतम् ॥ २१ ॥
ekaḥ prasūyate jantur eka eva pralīyate eko ’nubhuṅkte sukṛtam eka eva ca duṣkṛtam
Ang bawat nilalang ay isinilang na mag-isa at namamatay na mag-isa. Mag-isa niyang tinatamasa ang bunga ng kabutihan, at mag-isa rin niyang dinaranas ang bunga ng kasamaan.
The term anubhuṅkte is significant here. Bhuṅkte means “(the living being) experiences,” and anu means “following,” or “in sequence.” In other words, we experience happiness and distress according to the moral and spiritual quality of our activities. We are responsible for what we do. Dhṛtarāṣṭra was falsely and obsessively attached to his evil-minded sons, forgetting that he alone would have to suffer for his imprudent behavior.
FAQs
This verse states that one is born alone, dies alone, and alone experiences the results of both pious and sinful actions—karma adheres to the individual jīva.
To teach detachment from false dependence and to highlight moral accountability: no one else can take away or fully share the karmic fruits destined for an individual.
Act with integrity even when unseen, avoid blaming others for consequences, and cultivate devotion and dharma knowing your choices shape your future experience.