Shloka 18
Śānti-parva 168: Śoka-nivṛtti-buddhi (The Cognition that Reduces Grief) and Piṅgalā’s Nairāśya
अर्थार्थिन: सन्ति केचिदपरे स्वर्गकांक्षिण: । कुलप्रत्यागमाश्चैके स्वं स्वं धर्ममनुछिता:
arthārthinaḥ santi kecid apare svargakāṅkṣiṇaḥ | kulapratyāgamāś caike svaṃ svaṃ dharmam anuṣṭhitāḥ ||
Sinabi ni Arjuna: “May ilan na naghahanap ng artha; ang iba nama’y naghahangad ng langit. May ilan na, sumusunod sa minanang kaugalian ng kanilang angkan, masikap na ginagampanan ang kani-kanilang tungkulin. Ngunit kahit sa mga wari’y mapagpigil, tahimik, at marunong—na may panlabas na anyo ng pagtalikod—marami pa rin ang nagnanais ng kayamanan.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that outward religiosity or even disciplined observance of duty can still be driven by desire—especially for wealth or heavenly reward. It points toward examining one’s inner motive, not merely one’s external conduct.
Arjuna observes the variety of human aims: some openly pursue wealth, others pursue heaven, and some follow inherited family customs and prescribed duties. He notes that even those who seem ascetic and learned may still harbor attachment to wealth, raising a moral question about sincerity and true detachment.