Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 25
Pṛthu Mahārāja’s Homecoming, Sacrificial Assembly, and Instruction on Devotional Kingship
तत् प्रजा भर्तृपिण्डार्थं स्वार्थमेवानसूयव: । कुरुताधोक्षजधियस्तर्हि मेऽनुग्रह: कृत: ॥ २५ ॥
tat prajā bhartṛ-piṇḍārthaṁ svārtham evānasūyavaḥ kurutādhokṣaja-dhiyas tarhi me ’nugrahaḥ kṛtaḥ
Vì vậy, hỡi dân chúng không ganh ghét, vì phúc lợi cho vua của các ngươi sau khi qua đời và vì lợi ích của chính mình, hãy chu toàn bổn phận theo varṇa và āśrama, và luôn tưởng niệm Adhokṣaja—Đấng Tối Thượng—trong tim; như thế các ngươi cũng ban ân cho ta.
The words adhokṣaja-dhiyaḥ, meaning “Kṛṣṇa consciousness,” are very important in this verse. The king and citizens should both be Kṛṣṇa conscious; otherwise both of them will be doomed to lower species of life after death. A responsible government must teach Kṛṣṇa consciousness very vigorously for the benefit of all. Without Kṛṣṇa consciousness, neither the state nor the citizens of the state can be responsible. Pṛthu Mahārāja therefore specifically requested the citizens to act in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and he was also very anxious to teach them how to become Kṛṣṇa conscious. A summary of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is given in Bhagavad-gītā (9.27) :
FAQs
This verse teaches that one should perform one’s duties—such as maintaining dependents—while keeping the mind and intelligence fixed on Adhokṣaja (the Supreme Lord).
Because envy disrupts social harmony and spiritual progress; Pṛthu urges a cooperative, non-malicious attitude so their work becomes purified by devotion.
Do your responsibilities sincerely, but consciously dedicate the results to the Lord—remembering Him, acting ethically, and keeping spiritual purpose at the center of daily life.